For a host family, choosing an au pair is about more than childcare skills. You want a young woman or man who will be your children’s friend and an integral household member. But how to find an au pair that matches your family’s needs? Finding the right match takes time and careful consideration. During interviews on video chat, keep the following key factors in mind to help you choose the best au pair for your children.
Personality
When interviewing au pairs, take your time to find someone you connect with. It’s essential to look for a young individual with a ‘kid-at-heart’ that can interact with your kids in the most fun and gentle way possible. Kids tend to gravitate toward their Au pairs when they feel she’s acting like a cool older sibling instead of a strict parent.
It’s also a good idea to take your time to assess how much childcare experience the candidate has. This is particularly important if you have children under the age of two. You want to ensure that the Au pair has plenty of experience and has been trained to handle young infants. Finally, consider the cultural experience your candidates bring to the table. Kids love learning about different cultures through their au pairs, which can impact their empathetic perspectives of the world.
If you don’t value the cultural exchange an au pair can provide, you may be better off hiring a live-in nanny. Both types of care have pros and cons, so thoroughly assess your family’s needs before making your final decision. You can also ask the agency you’re working with to provide you with references from former au pairs or nannies.
Reliability
An au pair is a live-in childcare alternative that can be more cost-effective than a traditional nanny. They’re young adults (generally between 18-26) from another country traveling to the United States on a cultural exchange program. They’re a great choice for many families because they bring a different perspective to family life and can help children learn about other parts of the world.
They’re also generally more reliable than a nanny, as they live in your home for several months and have the opportunity to get to know the family. This can lead to a stronger bond and more trusting relationship between au pairs and host families. It’s essential to be clear with an au pair about your daily tasks and activities expectations to avoid surprises once she arrives at your house.
For example, if you have a strict policy about screen time, it’s essential to tell the au pair before she begins her placement. This way, you can find an au pair who is comfortable with this policy and can effectively manage your child’s screen time. You can also explain other responsibilities like cooking, laundry, and major household chores to help her find the right match.
Experience
When choosing an au pair, it is crucial to consider their experience. This includes how long they have been working in childcare and what age groups they are familiar with. A good au pair will be able to understand and communicate effectively with your children. They should also be comfortable resolving any issues that might arise. In addition, an experienced au pair should be knowledgeable in basic first aid procedures for common injuries and illnesses that may occur during childcare. They should also be able to recognize and respond quickly to life-threatening emergencies like choking or seizures.
Moreover, they should be able to handle routine tasks like driving kids to extracurricular activities, doing laundry, and preparing meals. Some agencies offer au pair services, some for free and others for a fee. Choosing a trusted agency is important to ensure you get the best match for your family. A list of non-negotiables you want in your au pair is also important. This could include childcare philosophies, household rules, and conflict management skills.
Host family
Choosing the right au pair for your family is a big decision that requires time and effort. You must review profiles, have video interviews, and meet your child’s needs. The process takes time but can be done efficiently if you have a clear list of non-negotiables. For example, if you have pets, then it’s important that the au pair knows how to care for them and can feed them regularly.
During the interview, ask questions about the host family’s experiences and how they interact with their children. This will give you a good idea of the host family’s personality and whether it matches yours. You can also ask questions about important things, such as how much driving is required or the family’s diet. It’s also important to check out the host family’s references. It’s best to contact former au pairs and ask them questions about the family, including how well they got along with the kids. However, remember that these responses may be biased and don’t consider the host family’s situation.
