Understand expectations for a good au pair host family relationship
Deciding to become an au pair is an exciting adventure that combines work, travel, and cultural exchange. One gets the best experience if they choose the right host family. Below are Optimal AuPair’s tips that will help make the au pair – host family relationship a successful and worthwhile lifetime experience:
1. Clear Communication and Expectations
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any good relationship, and this holds true for au pairs and host families. Au pairs seek families who:
- Communicate openly and clearly about responsibilities, schedules, and expectations.
- Provide detailed information about the children’s routines and household rules.
- Are willing to discuss any potential issues or misunderstandings in a respectful manner.
Therefore, always be open and upfront on all aspects of the relationship.
2. Respect and Support
Feeling respected and supported is vital for both parties well-being. Key aspects include:
- Treating each other as a valued member of the family rather than just as employee and employer.
- Offering support for personal growth, such as opportunities to attend language classes or participate in cultural activities.
- Providing a comfortable living environment with adequate privacy and amenities as well as respecting each other’s privacy spheres.
3. Friendly and Inclusive Environment
Au pairs often look for families who are welcoming and inclusive, making them feel at home. They appreciate families who:
- Encourage participation in family activities and traditions.
- Foster a friendly and warm atmosphere.
- Are genuinely interested in cultural exchange and learning about the au pair’s background.
4. Balanced Work-Life Dynamics
A balanced schedule is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Au pairs value:
- Clearly defined working hours and days off, ensuring they have enough free time to explore and relax.
- Fair compensation and clear terms regarding overtime or additional responsibilities.
- Flexibility to accommodate occasional schedule changes or special requests.
5. Shared Values and Childcare Philosophy
Alignment in values and childcare philosophy helps ensure a harmonious relationship. Au pairs look for:
- Families whose parenting style matches their own childcare beliefs and methods.
- Clear guidelines on discipline, education, and recreational activities.
- Open discussions about important values and how they’re implemented in daily life.
6. Previous Experience with Au Pairs
Families with previous experience hosting au pairs often have a better understanding of how to create a positive experience. Au pairs appreciate:
- Insights from past au pairs about the family’s dynamics and expectations.
- Families who have learned from past experiences and are open to making improvements.
- Established routines and support systems for integrating the au pair into the household.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right host family is essential for a rewarding au pair experience and vice versa. By looking for clear communication, respect, a friendly environment, balanced work-life dynamics, shared values, and experienced hosts, au pairs can find a family that feels like a true home away from home.
To objectively support you to secure a perfect au pair-host family match, at Optimal AuPair Agency, we have a successfully proven selection process that helps ensure that both the au pair and the host family enjoy a successful and enriching cultural exchange – get in touch with us on our contact us form – and we will help you on this and various other relationship issues.