Safety 101 for Au Pair Care
I often ask the following question of my Host Families and Au Pairs at the end of orientation meetings; “If you could name just one thing that will make your year a success, what would it be?” The most common answer I hear from families is; “I want my children to be safe”. With this in mind, I wanted to make my first blog about safety tips as it relates to your ‘Bundles of Joy’. You can review these with your Au Pair either at interview or shortly after arrival in your home, preferably both!
Water Watch:
As we head into September, many of us have spent time at local pools or the beach this summer, and for some of us lucky enough to live in warmer climes, can continue to do so for another month or two. At this time, it is important to remind your Au Pair that she should be extra vigilant when the children are in or near the pool, hot tub or at the beach (that is if you even allow her to take on this responsibility). So, no taking a quick snooze on the lounger, or chit chatting on the cell… If you have your own pool or hot tub, it is even more crucial you address ‘Pool Rules’ during the interview, and also ask about the Au Pair’s swimming ability. Having a pool in the backyard and an Au Pair that cannot swim just seems a bad mix in my mind, yet many forget to ask this simple but important question.
Car Talk & Roadside Assistance:
Another topic I give much credence to at orientation is the subject of driving. If your Au Pair will be driving your children, you will of course want to dedicate time for this as well. I know you will be taking her out practicing in your car and on local roads, as well as having her get her State license, but it should also be reiterated that, while you are confident she is a great driver, that everyone should be wearing their seat belts correctly, kids safely installed in their car seats, always obey speed limits and other local rules of the road, and absolutely no talking on the cell while driving.
Additionally, when your Au Pair is out as a pedestrian with your children, she should also be super vigilant, holding their hands near and while crossing roads.
She’s got the key of the door:
Not something everyone thinks of right away, but talk to your Au Pair about your rules for keeping doors, gates and windows locked – for example; do you keep the doors locked even when you are inside the house? Also, if someone comes to the front door, would you like your Au Pair to answer it or not? (Certainly not the children) In most cases when I discuss this with families, we conclude that, if in doubt (ie, if it’s not the plumber you said would be coming, or clearly the FedX or UPS guy) do not answer, and just call out politely, that you are busy right now.
Mum’s the Word (My Brit slang for Shhh it’s a secret!):
Last but not least, it is a good idea to make sure your Au Pair understands and respects your family’s privacy. You can remind her not to give out your address or phone number, and when on Facebook (and let’s face it we all are), not to post information or photos of family members, without first asking your permission. She should also not use Twitter, FourSquare or Facebook Places to post about where she is, especially when out with the children.
For us, as parents, the safety and well being of our children is of paramount importance, as well as being instinctive. However, it is important to bear in mind, that while Au Pairs are experienced childcare providers, they have not been parents or householders themselves, and so many of the things that just seem common sense to us, do still need to be discussed with your Au Pair from Au Pair Care, for your own peace of mind.
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