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Advice on looking for an Au Pair

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  • 01-10-2013 10:43am
    #1
    DASS
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭


    Hi there
    We are moving house shortly and will need to change our child care arrangements too. We are thinking of a live in Au pair to look after our 9 month old and three year old. Though we will enrole our 3yr old in montessori for the mornings.

    Anyone with experience of having an Au Pair? What advice would you give....


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    #2
    G-Man
    Registered Users Posts: 548 ✭✭✭G-Man


    We had an 3 great au pairs in the last few years... Really think what's most important for the au pair to do. If its to look after a child, then that's what's the focus should be...

    Most horror stories I hear with au pairs are along the lines of... Oh she never did the ironing or she would not work 7 days straight in a row.... I often wonder are all au pairs really so wonderful with children or were parents really looking for home help. No doubt there are some poor au pairs too.

    We were happiest when au pair looked after the toddler really well and treated them with great kindness.. It's a great bonus if they are super super tidy and can clean well too, or what extra tasks are needed. But don't ruin a good relationship because of some issue not related to the looking after the child.

    All three with us did more than asked and expected and all brought different talents To our family. Some are great organisers and hard workers, some are great at care for a child and some are great creatively.

    Most European au pairs find Ireland very attractive so they tend to settle in easy. Remember they are young too and are untrained, so you will need to supervise lots and watch for their failings but also welcome their abilities and gifts.

    Please remember au pair is really there like a family member to assist the family... Sole supervisor of a kid is not intended......although that appears to be the norm.


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