Rethinking a Rematch of Au Pair? – 4 Myths cleared up!
In a program that deals with people, it is natural that occasionally there will be problems. Misunderstandings and miscommunication are facts of life, and sometimes can lead to the end of a match. When there are problems in your match, you can expect to be in communication with your Area Director, so that she can help you and your au pair work through your issues. Should it be necessary, she will come to your home and do mediation. This is an opportunity for both parties to be heard and possible solutions to be discussed. If things aren’t going well, or a solution cannot be found, the rematch process will be discussed.
It is at this point in much mediation that I encounter the myths that exist about rematch. The impression many people have is that rematch is an easy solution to even the smallest of problems. The reality is that rematch is a big undertaking with consequences. Let’s take a look at some common rematch myths.
MYTH 1: If things aren’t perfect right away, a rematch is best. The adjustment period can take time, and AuPairCare asks all parties to allow 60 days for this transition. Bonding with children, driving, English ability, culture shock and just plain learning how to interact with one another are all a part of this transition.
MYTH 2: There are lots of other families and au pairs to pick from. The pool of families looking for a new au pair and available au pairs changes from day to day – hour to hour, really! Families and au pairs should not expect much variety of new placements to choose from when they are in rematch. Host Families have the option to choose from an overseas au pair, and are encouraged to do so since the pool is so much larger. Au pairs should be prepared to be open to a variety of situations.
MYTH 3: Rematch is a great way to see a new area/have a new experience. Some au pairs seem to have the idea that if there is even the smallest thing they do not like about their placement, rematch is an easy way to make the switch. Au pairs in rematch are not able to request specific areas of the country. When an au pair in rematch turns down an offer from a family for a new match, it brings into question her dedication to the program. That is not to say that there are not reasons to turn a match down, but it should not be done based on frivolous reasons.
MYTH 4: A rematch will solve the problem. All AuPairCare parties need to closely examine their role in the match to see if there are adjustments or improvements that need to be made. For example, if an au pair has trouble getting home in time for curfew, she should work hard to fix this problem, as it would still be an issue in a new match. Similarly, if one of the children in the host family is not responding to the au pair and acting out, time should be taken to get to the bottom of the issue to make sure another au pair will not have the same situation.
See AUPairCare’s photo stream at http://www.flickr.com/people/23341217@N07/?search=aupaircare to know more about AU Pairs.
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