Au Pair "Training" During Quarantine

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it really depends on the language. Our AP speaks exclusively in the target language to kids (and us, although we told her we would be happy to speak to her as host parents in English), and it is a rare language in the AP pool, so we always power through an AP relationship (so long as not dangerous) - and like any relationship there are ups and downs, and people can change. There is no "dud" AP - just like there is no dud "HF." If we were just looking for cheap childcare, we might not care (but then we wouldn't have an AP), but if you invest in the cultural exchange piece - you should model relationship building for your kids.

Absolutely, we have historically loved the cultural exchange piece and love making close friendships with our APs, but this au pair just drives me nuts! And it's that fine line of deciding what to let slide, what not to let slide, and/or just trying to rematch her, especially since we have no need for an AP at this time.

For instance. She's started putting ketchup on the three year old's food, and we have asked her to stop. Not only has she not stopped (which I sort of understand like once you start something with a strong willed person it's hard to stop) but then the little one is running around with ketchup on her damn face until I wipe it off. And if I'm like, "you need to wash her face" she'll be like "I know". Well if you know, why is there ketchup on her face?!?!?
Ugh.

I'm just annoyed. Lol. Granted I understand this is a hard time for a lot of people (what with the pandemic) but for realz.

I’d just get rid of the ketchup (and anything else that stains which she might choose to substitute). I’m a huge fan of young children dipping, but more along the line of veggies and hummus or baba ganoush.

[Anonymous]

Omg she's putting it on like spaghetti and ramen, not even for dipping! (Why is my three year old eating ramen is a different question and I think the answer lies with having those two really much older siblings lol!)

[Anonymous]

Germans, Israelis, Poles all put ketchup on pasta - it’s heinous. It’s like Americans who put BBQ or extra cheese on everything. Teacher her to make a fresh pasta sauce.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Germans, Israelis, Poles all put ketchup on pasta - it’s heinous. It’s like Americans who put BBQ or extra cheese on everything. Teacher her to make a fresh pasta sauce.

I’d provide normal jarred sauce for pasta and get rid of the ramen. I don’t do barbecue sauce either, although I do let kids add cheese as needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it really depends on the language. Our AP speaks exclusively in the target language to kids (and us, although we told her we would be happy to speak to her as host parents in English), and it is a rare language in the AP pool, so we always power through an AP relationship (so long as not dangerous) - and like any relationship there are ups and downs, and people can change. There is no "dud" AP - just like there is no dud "HF." If we were just looking for cheap childcare, we might not care (but then we wouldn't have an AP), but if you invest in the cultural exchange piece - you should model relationship building for your kids.

Absolutely, we have historically loved the cultural exchange piece and love making close friendships with our APs, but this au pair just drives me nuts! And it's that fine line of deciding what to let slide, what not to let slide, and/or just trying to rematch her, especially since we have no need for an AP at this time.

For instance. She's started putting ketchup on the three year old's food, and we have asked her to stop. Not only has she not stopped (which I sort of understand like once you start something with a strong willed person it's hard to stop) but then the little one is running around with ketchup on her damn face until I wipe it off. And if I'm like, "you need to wash her face" she'll be like "I know". Well if you know, why is there ketchup on her face?!?!?
Ugh.

I'm just annoyed. Lol. Granted I understand this is a hard time for a lot of people (what with the pandemic) but for realz.

I’d just get rid of the ketchup (and anything else that stains which she might choose to substitute). I’m a huge fan of young children dipping, but more along the line of veggies and hummus or baba ganoush.

Bad advice. The OP should bot have to modify her good to accommodate an AuPair who cannot so a basic function and follow instructions. As a long tim HM, these types just need to be sent packing. If they create more work they are not worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it really depends on the language. Our AP speaks exclusively in the target language to kids (and us, although we told her we would be happy to speak to her as host parents in English), and it is a rare language in the AP pool, so we always power through an AP relationship (so long as not dangerous) - and like any relationship there are ups and downs, and people can change. There is no "dud" AP - just like there is no dud "HF." If we were just looking for cheap childcare, we might not care (but then we wouldn't have an AP), but if you invest in the cultural exchange piece - you should model relationship building for your kids.

Absolutely, we have historically loved the cultural exchange piece and love making close friendships with our APs, but this au pair just drives me nuts! And it's that fine line of deciding what to let slide, what not to let slide, and/or just trying to rematch her, especially since we have no need for an AP at this time.

For instance. She's started putting ketchup on the three year old's food, and we have asked her to stop. Not only has she not stopped (which I sort of understand like once you start something with a strong willed person it's hard to stop) but then the little one is running around with ketchup on her damn face until I wipe it off. And if I'm like, "you need to wash her face" she'll be like "I know". Well if you know, why is there ketchup on her face?!?!?
Ugh.

I'm just annoyed. Lol. Granted I understand this is a hard time for a lot of people (what with the pandemic) but for realz.

I’d just get rid of the ketchup (and anything else that stains which she might choose to substitute). I’m a huge fan of young children dipping, but more along the line of veggies and hummus or baba ganoush.

Bad advice. The OP should bot have to modify her good to accommodate an AuPair who cannot so a basic function and follow instructions. As a long tim HM, these types just need to be sent packing. If they create more work they are not worth it.

Ok, psycho!