Working as an au pair in not an easy thing to do. But, due to the fact that we appreciate your implication and interest for this job, we would like to give you some tips and tricks.
Working as an au pair – the list of Dos
First of all, do you love children enough as to dedicate yourself to this kind of job? On the other hand, are you ready to take things seriously? Being an au pair is not the same thing as working as a babysitter. Thus, you should be ready to face all the challenges of this job.
Secondly, being an au pair means that you have to leave your home or even country and travel for finding the perfect job. But this is great news because you can choose living in a new country for a while. You can also meet new people and enjoy adventures. Your host will be the perfect opportunity for discovering the culture of the place and getting familiar with it.
Last but not least, do not forget to be honest. Tell your host exactly what you are able to do. For example, many families prefer their au pairs spend time helping kids preparing their homework. However, if you are not a fluent speaker of that language, you will not be able to do that.
On the other hand, there are parents who ask for a driving license. They will give you a car, in order to help their children travel from one place to another.
Working as an au pair – the list of Do Nots
Do not act like you are on vacation. It is perfectly normal for you to visit the surroundings. You can meet new people, make friends and go out with them, but only in your free days. Thus, it is important to talk with your host and decide even from the beginning how much time you have for yourself. You can also use it for getting some rest because sometimes children can be so real energy-consumers.
You can also talk with you host family about what you are allowed to do. For example, there are families which do not let you go throw all of their staff. They prefer locking some rooms in order to keep the strangers away. However, for a while, you will be considered some kind of stranger
