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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I haven't heard of APs who have no access to a car. Have you discussed this with your agency?[/quote]

Our DC Au Pair in America LCC told us its very common that families don't give car access in DC. We live right by the Metro in Bethesda and we all three share our one car.  We model the behavior we want as a family - we metro pretty much everywhere ourselves and have also frequently put money on her Metro card.  I completely understand not having them drive - it's very expensive, can be an issue that creates tensions, and inevitably there will be some damage at least. In our experience (though I'm sure this is not true of all APs), none of our au pairs has even begun to appreciate how expensive and stressful it can be to share a car.

All that said, though, every one of our AP's friends have at least some access to a car. I don't know any that have their own dedicated car - it seems common to have to share. But she will most definitely notice that most APs in our area (I'm assuming), do drive. She'll even meet a few whose host parents pay for all their personal gas and pretty much let them drive anywhere.

I know from personal experience that you can most definitely get anywhere you need to go without a car. But I would be very very clear to your au pair that she will not have access to a car, what that means for getting around, what your reasons are for not having her drive, and model getting around without a car yourselves. Be prepared for her to mention that so-and-so au pair has a car she can use whenever, be prepared for some irritation on her part about it, be prepared to help her get around as much as you can.

It is certainly done, you can certainly get around without one. Just be clear on that and you will be fine as long as you have a mature au pair who is a person that doesn't mind building in a bit more time and effort for the metro/bus. [/quote]

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