Cultural Exchange During the Holidays

Below is a letter that, in years past, I have sent to host families and au pairs at the beginning of the holiday season.  I thought it would be helpful to share it on this blog, a bit earlier, in hopes that it will give you time to plan and prepare for the upcoming holidays.

As the holiday season is appearing on the horizon, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and the New Year, I thought it might be helpful to remind us all that during this intense and busy season, the au pair/host family relationship can benefit from an extra dose of sensitivity. 

For the au pair, the holidays will remind you of home and may stir up some homesickness or even the desire to be the child again in your parent’s home. I know some of you have expressed concern about having to work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve.

For the family, you are probably wondering how you are going to get everything done! You will probably need the au pair at this time, more than ever, to help you manage the extra demands the holidays bring.

If this is the case, be sure to talk about these things beforehand and agree together on plans and priorities, so that no misunderstandings or resentments are allowed to build up.

As an au pair, remember that the Holidays (whichever is observed) are family time and if you share it with your host family you share it as an adult member. The excitement of the season often contributes to high activity levels in the children. This will require all of the adults to pull together in a spirit of cooperation and good cheer! If you are confused about what is considered family time and what work time is, or about what your role as a family member is during holidays, ask your host family to help you sort this out.

Families, for those of you who do not observe Christmas, but have an au pair who does, try to help him/her arrange something that will feel comfortable and meet his or her needs. Feel free to talk to me if you need help with this.

In the true spirit of cross-cultural exchange, I hope you will share your unique and wonderful holiday traditions with each other.

Benefits of an Au Pair

There are many benefits to getting an au pair. Among them are:

--They are dedicated exclusively to your children so that they are given one on one attention and care

--Because they live in your home, there is no need to take them out of your house early in the morning or worry that your children will catch something from the other children in a daycare setting

--If your children are sick, you don't have to find alternate care, the au pair is there to care for them

--Your children will have the opportunity to get out--the au pair can take them to museums, parks, zoos, etc.

--They can help you around the house with light housekeeping related to the children as well as help the children with homework

Stay-at-Home Moms--Get Extra Set of Hands

Are you feeling overwhelmed with your kids busy schedules, homework, housework, and all the running around? Would you like to find someone who can be an extra set of hands to relieve some of that stress??

An Au Pair may be the perfect solution!! Au Pairs are an extended member of your family and are personally invested in the happiness, well being and success of your children. 

Here are just a few examples of how an Au Pair can help you:

-- driving the children to and from school and/or other activities
-- staying home with the children while you run errands
-- helping children with homework while you make dinner
-- playing with the children while you get other things done (or while you get some much needed rest!)
-- doing the children's laundry or other light child -related housekeeping while you spend quality time with your children
-- give you a chance to spend one on one time with each of your children individually
-- provide date night childcare

Featured Country for October: PANAMA

This month Go Au Pair is featuring Panama.  Families who match with an au pair from Panama during the month of October will receive a discount of $100.