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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here. Thank you for the productive responses. We do need to work on getting her out of the house on a regular basis, or setting up playdates (which I've told her she can/should feel free to do). I've encouraged her to go out every day between naps - she is from a warm weather climate and think she prefers to stay indoors during the winter... but she has to get used to it and I realize it's my job to make her get out. I will not, however, let her drive with my kids until I'm comfortable.  I won't sacrifice their safety/wellbeing for her happiness... p.s. she doesn't even seem unhappy to be home, she seems to like the slower pace, but who knows.

In true DCUM fashion, there are some responses here that are sort of not so helpful (understatement) - "what did you expect?" "I wouldn't have an au pair with a BABY" -- ok ok, you are perfect and never make a bad judgment call. My bad.

For the record on WFH - I have worked at home fulltime for a major corporation for the last 4 years. With my first DD, we had a nanny for the first 11 months, which allowed me to breastfeed her for a year., avoid commuting, see her during the day, etc. I've done the same with my youngest, and I agree with PP who mentions all the good things about staying home. I stay in my office on a separate floor all day except when I need to nurse the baby. Just sharing my experience if anyone is considering this setup - there are a lot of positives.[/quote]

I WFH too though we've had nannies (hopefully it's ok for me to still post).  OP, I think you should consider paying for one activity, like a music class.  It is tough for a new caregiver to be alone with a baby all day long, especially in the winter, especially when they don't know anyone.  This will give her a little structure and a place to go.  I also think you may need to take on the task of setting up playdates for her or finding a weekly playgroup, perhaps with other au pairs.  Or set up a regular playgroup in your own home once a week.  Really look around for activities she can attend with the baby, if you haven't done that yet.  Babies can be pretty boring and some people enjoy them more than others.

I would try to flip the unhelpful responses around to recognize that [b]your au pair doesn't have a lot of childcare experience--which is ok!  [/b]But the question is how you can best support her as she gains that experience.  [/quote]

How is that even OK when someone has an 8 month old? To leave a baby with with someone without much childcare experience? Insane lengths people will go to for the sake of thrift![/quote]

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