Sad how some Au Pairs give the rest of us a bad name

[Anonymous]

Hi!

I'm Jan, and I used to be an Au Pair back in 2008. I was there for a year, and I have to say it was the most amazing experience. I'm horrified to read all these host family stories about Au Pairs acting like needy teenagers, who lie, who complain, who demand... and who seem to have forgotten that being an Au Pair is actually a JOB! This gives Au Pairs a bad reputation, which is sad, because I've known tons of wonderful Au Pairs who took their positions very seriously - and among them myself! I am writing this post just to let host parents out there know that the Au Pair programs are NOT a lost cause, and that there is hope. I am terribly sorry for all your bad experiences, and I am ashamed of my "co-workers" and their childish behavior. Not all Au Pairs are like that (I sure hope not, at least), and having an Au Pair should NOT make you feel like you suddenly have an extra child to care for. If that is what you feel like, you should consider rematching.

Don't feel bad for rematching, if your Au Pair does not seem to take her (or his) job seriously or if he or she gives you more trouble than help - then they have misunderstood the concept. Rematch. There are awesome Au Pairs out there who will make your life so much easier. I go back to see my old host family as often as I can, and we have an amazing relationship. Don't give up, host parents, there are serious Au Pairs out there, and if yours is not one of them - rematch. Within any profession there are some bad seeds or some people that should consider a career change - and it is the same with Au PAirs. Don't let the bad one ruin it for those who are good at what they do. If you don't feel comfortable with your Au Pair, you need to rematch. Do it for yourself, but also for those Au PAirs (like myself) who really loves or loved their line of work, and who took it seriously.

Good luck to you all out there!

// An incredibly proud ex Au Pair.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like someone put you up to posting here. I am happy to hear of your positive experience. The problem is, that it is a gamble. Most parents don't want to take that gamble with their little children. Older children, maybe.
Babies and toddlers, NO.

[Anonymous]

Why would someone put me up to writing on here...? Sorry if it came across that way... I was really just reading on here because I find it interesting to read about the families points of views when it comes to Au Pairing. Like I said, it was such an amazing experience for me that I wish as many people as possible would get a chance to experience it. I see your points though, of course I do, because your children's safety needs to come first at all times.

It is sad though that you think someone "put me up to" writing on here, especially when I am actually to a certain point taking the Host Families sides, and I will have to let you know that nobody made me write on here. I just wanted to take the opportunity to write down my thoughts on the subject. I never said parents should "gamble" with their children's safety, absolutely not, which is why I would advice anyone who has doubts about their Au Pair to consider rematching.

That was basically the point of this post (besides just expressing my thoughts on it), to high-light the fact that a parent must never "feel bad" about wanting to rematch when having an Au Pair. A serious Au Pair would be understanding, and they would probably not put you in that situation in the first place. That's all. Yes, sure, it's a gamble just like many other things, but my one advice is to change Au Pair if you are not pleased with the one that you have. No hesitation.

[Anonymous]

Which agency did you use?

[Anonymous]

I was with Cultural Care. I was very pleased with how it all worked out, but on the other hand I never had any problems, so I guess I never really put them to the test. =)

//Jan

[Anonymous]

Thanks for writing - it does seem that online I only read the bad stories but when I talk with friends or colleagues who have had au pairs it is mostly great experiences. I think people write more and seek out support when they are in a tough situation.