Do you pay for/provide your AP with toiletries?

[Anonymous]

Just curious, it’s not something that I thought about and I don’t do that for my current AP. For example shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, medicine, tampons?

[Anonymous]

Why don't simply make it available if she needs it?
Isn't that what you'd like your host to do for you?

[Anonymous]

yes I do provide it all for my aupairs. I always have a basket of essentials ready for them upon arrival and then I take them to Walmart for them to look around and let me know what products they normally use. I make a note of it, and regularly just stock up their supply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don't simply make it available if she needs it?
Isn't that what you'd like your host to do for you?

As I said, I had not thought of it before, only reason I asked this is because I saw it mentioned in another post. AND I think it would be a little weird for someone other than myself to buy my tampons.... thats a bit personal! But of course, wouldnt it be nice if someone else footed the bill for all MY personal products. Just was curious to see what other HF do.

Also, when I have guests in my home for a night or two, of course I make those things avalible if needed. But an AP is NOT a guest and she lives there for at least a year.

[Anonymous]

We don't. We have extras that our au pairs are welcome to use on arrival, or when they run out - same as other short-term guests. But then they generally purchase the products that they like to use (and some bring products from their home countries that they prefer, and have their parents send them more!).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We don't. We have extras that our au pairs are welcome to use on arrival, or when they run out - same as other short-term guests. But then they generally purchase the products that they like to use (and some bring products from their home countries that they prefer, and have their parents send them more!).

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't simply make it available if she needs it?
Isn't that what you'd like your host to do for you?

As I said, I had not thought of it before, only reason I asked this is because I saw it mentioned in another post. AND I think it would be a little weird for someone other than myself to buy my tampons.... thats a bit personal! But of course, wouldnt it be nice if someone else footed the bill for all MY personal products. Just was curious to see what other HF do.

Also, when I have guests in my home for a night or two, of course I make those things avalible if needed. But an AP is NOT a guest and she lives there for at least a year.

Sorry, I thought you were a "host" family. Who are you hosting, if not your guest au pair? You sound like you have a bit of an attitude issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't simply make it available if she needs it?
Isn't that what you'd like your host to do for you?

As I said, I had not thought of it before, only reason I asked this is because I saw it mentioned in another post. AND I think it would be a little weird for someone other than myself to buy my tampons.... thats a bit personal! But of course, wouldnt it be nice if someone else footed the bill for all MY personal products. Just was curious to see what other HF do.

Also, when I have guests in my home for a night or two, of course I make those things avalible if needed. But an AP is NOT a guest and she lives there for at least a year.

Sorry, I thought you were a "host" family. Who are you hosting, if not your guest au pair? You sound like you have a bit of an attitude issue.

Attitude issue? That would be you, PP. An Au Pair is an employee, not a guest. Au Pair compensation typically includes room and board, not personal toiletries.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't simply make it available if she needs it?
Isn't that what you'd like your host to do for you?

As I said, I had not thought of it before, only reason I asked this is because I saw it mentioned in another post. AND I think it would be a little weird for someone other than myself to buy my tampons.... thats a bit personal! But of course, wouldnt it be nice if someone else footed the bill for all MY personal products. Just was curious to see what other HF do.

Also, when I have guests in my home for a night or two, of course I make those things avalible if needed. But an AP is NOT a guest and she lives there for at least a year.

Sorry, I thought you were a "host" family. Who are you hosting, if not your guest au pair? You sound like you have a bit of an attitude issue.

Attitude issue? That would be you, PP. An Au Pair is an employee, not a guest. Au Pair compensation typically includes room and board, not personal toiletries.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't simply make it available if she needs it?
Isn't that what you'd like your host to do for you?

As I said, I had not thought of it before, only reason I asked this is because I saw it mentioned in another post. AND I think it would be a little weird for someone other than myself to buy my tampons.... thats a bit personal! But of course, wouldnt it be nice if someone else footed the bill for all MY personal products. Just was curious to see what other HF do.

Also, when I have guests in my home for a night or two, of course I make those things avalible if needed. But an AP is NOT a guest and she lives there for at least a year.

Sorry, I thought you were a "host" family. Who are you hosting, if not your guest au pair? You sound like you have a bit of an attitude issue.

Let me guess, you’re an AP right? Entitlement much??

[Anonymous]

I am a former AP.
My host family gave me a basket full of toiletries when I arrived and it was a lovely gift
Then I bought my own toiletries.

Now that I am a mom and have an AP helping me, I chose to provide her with the basics : shampoo, conditioner, soap or shower gel, toothpaste. I think it's a nice gesture that makes her feel welcome. After all she's only getting a stipend/pocket money, I'd rather see her spend it on outings to explore the city.

[Anonymous]

I don't provide these on an ongoing basis. Some starter stuff (shampoo, conditioner, shower soap, etc.) in the bathroom for when she first arrives. Of course, we supply TP. Other than that, she's on her own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a former AP.
My host family gave me a basket full of toiletries when I arrived and it was a lovely gift
Then I bought my own toiletries.

Now that I am a mom and have an AP helping me, I chose to provide her with the basics : shampoo, conditioner, soap or shower gel, toothpaste. I think it's a nice gesture that makes her feel welcome. After all she's only getting a stipend/pocket money, I'd rather see her spend it on outings to explore the city.

+1

[Anonymous]

No, and I mentioned this to a few other host families and they'd never heard of this either. Both of my au pairs have had specific things from their countries that they like. I fail to see why a host family should be providing their au pairs with shampoo, tampons, and toothpaste.

[Anonymous]

Because the concept is that they live in your home, as a member of the family, and in exchange they provide very low-cost childcare. When you go on vacation, you are supposed to take them, as this is part of their cultural exchange to see the U.S. So if you provide them with food, why not toothpaste, shampoo, etc? Aren't you going to provide that to your teenagers when they need it?