Your au pair will become a part of your family and it is important that she fits in well with your culture. Many families have found that small problems have grown out of control simply because communication between them was not open and honest.
You must know what qualities you are looking for and be clear about them. Here are the five essentials:
1. Cultural Compatibility
Cultural compatibility refers to the extent to which individual cultural backgrounds align with or conflict within a diverse cultural setting. It describes how cultural norms, values, or beliefs may interact to influence communication and decision-making processes. It also refers to an individual’s ability to understand, respect, and work with individuals from a different culture.
For example, consider a law firm that values collaboration and open communication among its employees. Cultural compatibility will be reflected in a team that seeks out peer input on important legal challenges and encourages pro bono initiatives. Conversely, an employee who thrives in competitive, siloed environments will not fit into the firm’s collaborative ethos. Consider this context when interviewing candidates for legal positions.
Likewise, cultural compatibility is an essential consideration when choosing an expert AuPair. Au pairs come from all over the world and bring with them a rich array of experiences and cultures that they share with their host families. As a result, many au pairs create organic language-learning opportunities for their host children in ways that are unique and meaningful to the cultural exchange experience.
An au pair is a young person between the ages of 18 and 30 who comes to America on a J-1 Visitor Exchange Visa to acquire a deeper understanding of American culture, while working as part of a family and caring for their children. The program is operated by a licensed agency that adheres to international regulations and U.S. Department of State guidelines.
In order to qualify as an au pair, candidates must meet the minimum age and education requirements of the program, speak English fluently, pass a background check, and be willing to commit to a year-long au pair program. Additionally, au pairs must be able to demonstrate that they have a love for children and are committed to being a positive role model.
2. Communication Skills
A successful au pair must be able to communicate with both her host family and the children in her care. This requires the ability to convey information clearly, as well as to listen actively and comprehend what is being said to her.
Strong communication skills are vital to an au pair’s success because she spends so much time with the children in her care. She must be able to explain activities, games and lessons in ways that the children can understand and follow. She should also be able to provide the children with creative and engaging play that encourages their cognitive, social and physical development.
Since au pairs are primarily responsible for caring for children, they need to have the ability to handle emergencies. This means knowing basic first aid techniques, such as how to treat a cut, burn or poisoning. It’s also important for them to know what types of foods are healthy and how to prepare nutritious meals for the children.
Being a part of an international community can make au pairs feel isolated at times, especially when they encounter cultural differences. The best au pairs are able to recognize and appreciate these differences, while still respecting the values and customs of their host families.
When interviewing an au pair, it is important to ask them about their experiences working with children in different cultures. This will help you determine if she is a good fit for your family’s needs. You may also want to ask about how she handles common child-related issues like sibling rivalry or temper tantrums.
3. Flexibility and Adaptability
A host family’s needs will change throughout the year, and a flexible au pair is essential. This means adjusting their schedule on short notice, working longer hours, or staying later in the event of an emergency. It also means being open to changing their plans for the day or if the children’s behavior gets out of hand.
Au pairs are entrusted with the well-being of your children, so it’s important that they take responsibility seriously. Look for candidates who demonstrate reliability through punctuality in their video interviews, taking the time to prepare for a Skype session and have backup devices, as well as following through on promises. It’s also a good idea to ask them to describe their previous childcare experience and what they like or dislike about working with children.
An excellent au pair knows how to be a positive role model and will strive to make the kids feel comfortable and safe in their care. This includes implementing discipline that is fair and logical, such as redirection, positive reinforcement, and establishing clear boundaries. It also means knowing how to prepare healthy meals and a sleep routine that promotes calm and restful sleep. It’s also helpful if they are knowledgeable about child development stages, first aid and safety practices.
A good au pair is willing to learn and be a part of the family, even if it’s not something they enjoy. For example, they may have to do chores or cook dinner when they don’t want to. If this is the case, they should have a good attitude about it and not complain or feel angry about it. In addition, they should be able to communicate clearly and respectfully with the children.
4. Responsibility and Reliability
Providing childcare is the primary responsibility of an au pair, but the host family may also ask for some light housework. Au pairs receive free room and board, and are covered by insurance that includes medical and repatriation costs. They also have their own key to the house, a private bedroom and their own bathroom.
In addition to working a full schedule, au pairs often have to drive children to activities and events or pick up other members of the household from school or work. This can be a big responsibility, so it’s important for a family to understand how much time they want an au pair to spend on these tasks and what other expectations they might have regarding her responsibilities.
Then, they can decide if this is a good fit for them. They can also ask other host families about their experiences with au pairs and what they like and dislike about the job to get a sense of what to expect.
For example, some au pairs enjoy becoming a part of the family and spending more than their work hours with children, while others prefer to keep their lives separate from that of their hosts. Some au pairs only want to care for babies, while others are willing to work with a family of any age.
It is a good idea to discuss these things with potential au pairs before you make your final decision. And remember, it is ok for families to have some non-negotiables when choosing an au pair! Just be sure to clearly communicate those before you start searching for the perfect match. It’ll help the process go more smoothly for everyone involved!
5. Love for Children
In an age of skyrocketing childcare costs, where nannies can easily cost more than a mortgage or rent, many American families turn to au pairs as the only affordable way to have reliable child care. Au pair work isn’t just about the paycheck, though. It’s a meaningful experience that allows au pairs to shape the future they want and build global connections that will last a lifetime.
As an au pair, you’ll help children develop their emotional and social skills. You’ll read them stories, sing to them, and take them on adventures. Depending on the age(s) of your host kids, you may also play sports or other activities with them, take them on educational outings, and teach them about the world outside their home country. And, of course, you’ll make sure they are clean, safe and happy every day.
Au pairs who provide childcare for school-age kids often become role models and mentors for their hosts’ kids, helping with homework and providing them with extra support when it comes to studying or learning a new subject in school. They often become friends with their hosts’ kids and are there to drive them to and from games, practices, lessons and other commitments. In addition, au pairs can introduce the kids they care for to their home languages through organic learning experiences.
It’s important to find a family who appreciates this unique and invaluable relationship, but the most critical qualification for an au pair is a love of children. They must be able to connect with the kids they care for and be dedicated to giving them the best possible care, while also being willing to work hard, learn, and grow alongside them.
