Common myths on Au Pairs
Last week I had the chance to visit a friend I had not seen in some time. We got to catch up on all kinds of things, including our jobs, kids, and how we juggle both. This good friend has been considering an au pair for some time – her husband is French, and they would love to have some French culture in their home, as well as another French speaker. Financially, hosting an au pair from Au Paire Care would actually be cheaper than their current option and is therefore very attractive. Another advantage you get is your children grow up watching a person from all together a different culture which makes them better person.
So why the hold up? Lack of space- or at least, the perception that there is not enough space. “An au pair will expect her own bathroom, car, living space”, explained my friend, “we just don’t have that here”. Then I shared my secret with her – neither do we. At our house, the au pair shares a bathroom with the kids, has a small bedroom, just like our kids, and gets to use my husband’s car when it is free. We are, in a word, regular.
“Fine, maybe we do have the room”, she explained, “but not enough actual personal space. What if she wants to watch TV at night and we want to watch something different?” Again, a valid concern at first glance. But in practice? This is rarely, if ever, and issue. Many au pairs will arrive in the US with their own computer, and they spend their evenings watching Netflix or chatting with friends on Facebook. Our au pair from Au Paire Care uses one of our old laptops as her own to watch shows and Skype at night. We usually eat together and may watch a show as a family, but once the kids are in bed she heads up to have some time to herself. Thus, it solves the entire purpose. She gets her own personal space and don’t intrude our space too which keeps things balanced.
In the end, my friend realized that an au pair was perfect for their family. While a little uneasy about hosting for the first time, the benefits for her family are numerous. They are currently in selection – searching for that perfect French au pair from Au Paire Care for their family who can live with them peacefully and can take care of their children when they are away.
View http://www.youtube.com/user/AuPairCare1989 and know why you need a qualified au pair from Au Paire Care.
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