Au Pair Starting soon- what should we do to prepare?

[Anonymous]

We have an au pair starting this summer and we are doing the extra zoom calls with her, but aside from that what things should we be doing now to get things ready for her?
ex-
Do we provide her a cell phone?
are there certain things we should get for her room? (besides furniture- ie bed, dresser, desk, end table)
Other things that would be helpful to know for first time au pair parents?
Do we make a "house rule" book?
Provide a common schedule for the kids?
Make a list of fun places in the area?
What tips are helpful for her transition to our family routines and incorporating some of her family routines?

We really do want to make her feel at home and to let her know we want her to be a part of the family and we're looking for tips on how to make sure she feels welcome but also to help make her adjustment to US life easier. She will be coming from a european country, but from a place in a very country area, so not big city at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have an au pair starting this summer and we are doing the extra zoom calls with her, but aside from that what things should we be doing now to get things ready for her?
ex-
Do we provide her a cell phone?
are there certain things we should get for her room? (besides furniture- ie bed, dresser, desk, end table)
Other things that would be helpful to know for first time au pair parents?
Do we make a "house rule" book?
Provide a common schedule for the kids?
Make a list of fun places in the area?
What tips are helpful for her transition to our family routines and incorporating some of her family routines?

We really do want to make her feel at home and to let her know we want her to be a part of the family and we're looking for tips on how to make sure she feels welcome but also to help make her adjustment to US life easier. She will be coming from a european country, but from a place in a very country area, so not big city at all.

Didn't The agency give you a phamplet with this information?

[Anonymous]

Yes to all the y/n questions.

[Anonymous]

Agree with pp that it's yes to all the y/n questions.

It's especially important that you create a hand book. Ask around for a sample handbook, or look it up online. Once you get a template, update and change as you see fit. It should spell out all the house rules. In creating one, you'll be forced to think through various aspect of hosting a young adult in your house and what you expect from a good house mate. For instance, do you expect her to be home at least 8 hours before her shift? (you don't want a partier out until 3am on a Sunday and then start working Monday at 8am). can she have overnight guests? Do you want to have a family dinner every night? etc...

[Anonymous]

Driving lessons

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with pp that it's yes to all the y/n questions.

It's especially important that you create a hand book. Ask around for a sample handbook, or look it up online. Once you get a template, update and change as you see fit. It should spell out all the house rules. In creating one, you'll be forced to think through various aspect of hosting a young adult in your house and what you expect from a good house mate. For instance, do you expect her to be home at least 8 hours before her shift? (you don't want a partier out until 3am on a Sunday and then start working Monday at 8am). can she have overnight guests? Do you want to have a family dinner every night? etc...

Why should an au pair have to eat dinner with host family every night, particularly if she is off the clock.

[Anonymous]

Hide all your jewelry and valuables. Tell her which floors in the house are off limits. Make sure she knows what the deal-breakers are. Tell her no overnight guests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with pp that it's yes to all the y/n questions.

It's especially important that you create a hand book. Ask around for a sample handbook, or look it up online. Once you get a template, update and change as you see fit. It should spell out all the house rules. In creating one, you'll be forced to think through various aspect of hosting a young adult in your house and what you expect from a good house mate. For instance, do you expect her to be home at least 8 hours before her shift? (you don't want a partier out until 3am on a Sunday and then start working Monday at 8am). can she have overnight guests? Do you want to have a family dinner every night? etc...

Why should an au pair have to eat dinner with host family every night, particularly if she is off the clock.

What an odd question. No, she does not have to. But some have explicitly told me that they appreciate the family dinner time, which makes them feel like part of the family. APs are free to opt out; it's also there if she wants to participate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hide all your jewelry and valuables. Tell her which floors in the house are off limits. Make sure she knows what the deal-breakers are. Tell her no overnight guests.

If she treats her like she thinks she is a thief, I hope the aunpair tells her where to go fast. You are horrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hide all your jewelry and valuables. Tell her which floors in the house are off limits. Make sure she knows what the deal-breakers are. Tell her no overnight guests.

If she treats her like she thinks she is a thief, I hope the aunpair tells her where to go fast. You are horrible.

The au pair who thought she could get away with stealing her host mom's wedding ring is horrible. It happens.. so some initial caution about someone you truly don't know is warranted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hide all your jewelry and valuables. Tell her which floors in the house are off limits. Make sure she knows what the deal-breakers are. Tell her no overnight guests.

If she treats her like she thinks she is a thief, I hope the aunpair tells her where to go fast. You are horrible.

How would the au pair KNOW the jewelry and valuables are hidden unless they go LOOKING for it? Hmmm?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hide all your jewelry and valuables. Tell her which floors in the house are off limits. Make sure she knows what the deal-breakers are. Tell her no overnight guests.

If she treats her like she thinks she is a thief, I hope the aunpair tells her where to go fast. You are horrible.

How would the au pair KNOW the jewelry and valuables are hidden unless they go LOOKING for it? Hmmm?

Any time you bring someone new into your house, it is safe to assume that they will look through all your things. But, I don't assume they are going to steal.