Tip 1 – Communication – never stop talking!
We’ve all done it – when something goes wrong you just try to ignore it hoping that it will go away or magically improve until that minor issue becomes something more than it ever should have been. So to avoid a problem turning into a crisis, talk about issues with your Au Pair calmly. The chances are he/she will not realise there’s a problem and will be only too happy to meet your reasonable needs.
In our experience the key to a successful placement is good communication throughout and by making sure in advance of the placement that you and your Au Pair know what you should expect from each other.
Remember you are paying an Au Pair significantly less than a nanny or a cleaner so your expectations must be adjusted accordingly. Encouragement, support, clear instructions and guidance all go a long way to making things work.
Tip 2 - Do’s
Here is a list of the sorts of things an SHS Au Pair would expect to do:
- Care for your child/children as directed by you;
- Keep his/her bedroom neat and tidy;
- Help and encourage your child/children to tidy their bedroom/s;
- Prepare meals for your child/children and clear up afterwards;
- Assist with dusting/hoovering/sweeping in communal areas but not acting as the sole cleaner;
- Help with the laundry;
- Join in preparing family meals.
Tip 3 – Don’ts
Here is a list of the sorts of things an SHS Au Pair should NOT be expected to do:
- Spring cleaning;
- Gardening;
- Window cleaning;
- The weekly food shop;
- Waitressing at dinner parties.
Additional duties required but not relating to the child/children such as dog walking should be negotiated and paid for separately
Tip 4 – Using the Phone and Internet
Always make it clear to your Au Pair the rules regarding telephone and internet use eg International/mobile calls can only be made with permission.
- We recommend you check your itemised phone bill which you can consult online so any issues are spotted as soon as possible.
- You could give your Au Pair a £10 International phone card and explain that they should buy the next one.
- You could put credit on your Au Pair’s mobile phone to subsidise calls home
