Nodody is Perfect, So Be Realistic

So you've made the decision to host an au pair with Go Au Pair! Congratulations! You will find the benefits of au pair childcare are many. You now have a consistent, reliable, trained, experienced caregiver for your children. You also have an added member to your parenting team, ready to provide the same behavior guidelines and consequences as you. You have an extra set of hands, ears and eyes to keep track of the kids' activities, make healthy snacks and meals, even teach the kids a foreign language.

One thing you should consider when making a match with your new au pair is your kids' behavior. Let's face it, nobody is perfect, but some kids just behave better than others. On top of that, some cultures have very different expectations for children's behavior. Many au pairs might be shocked by American children who talk back, are mischievous or disobedient, rude or even disrespectful.

The best way to approach this is to be honest. First, be honest with yourself about how your kids act, and your expectations for how your au pair should have to deal with any misbehavior. A fellow Go Au Pair LAR (Local Area Representative) and middle-level educator from Kentucky gives advice on Making a Plan for your au pair, so that he or she is not caught off guard or with no plan when kids, as they will, act up.

Once you recognize some areas of concern, you and your au pair can work on ways to consistently approach any problems. This can be a great learning experience for everyone, since your au pair may have some new and creative ideas.

When your family is ready to take advantage of au pair childcare in Rhode Island, contact me or just apply online and get started! Your family will thank you when they have an incredible cultural childcare experience with Go Au Pair! I am Joan Lowell, your Go Au Pair LAR; contact me at 401.309.1925 or jlowell@goaupair.com.