OP Here again, I live in DC, assuming AP is a good driver, how many trips to the DMV will I need for her to get her DC DL?

Anonymous wrote:I think sending her driver licence materials to read will be stressful for her and shows that YOU are stressed about her driving ... I guess you picked an experienced driver? If so it should be all right because driving in the US is much easier than in other countries.
Just make sure to take the time to practise her driving once she's with you and well rested from her trip.

The weekly video chats, why not, if she's up for it.
The kids and her will really bond once they can actually share activities together.

Respectfully disagree with this PP - sending driving info (e.g. an online course) ahead of time is a fantastic idea. I with I had thought of that!

OP here, thanks for all the feedback!

Anonymous wrote:I think sending her driver licence materials to read will be stressful for her and shows that YOU are stressed about her driving ... I guess you picked an experienced driver? If so it should be all right because driving in the US is much easier than in other countries.
Just make sure to take the time to practise her driving once she's with you and well rested from her trip.

The weekly video chats, why not, if she's up for it.
The kids and her will really bond once they can actually share activities together.

Our LCC sends the driver license materials after matching, which can be much more than 4 weeks in advance. So, I don't see a problem with you sending them. Some APs would rather have extra time to study rather than get the materials on arrival with the expectation they go and pass immediately.

Rather than weekly video, ask if she uses WhatsApp and text her a few times a week.

I'd hold off on the driving materials - they have to be here a while in order to get the residency stuff anyway, so its not like you can take them to the DMV the first weekend anyway. (Most young au pairs will NOT find driving in the US - especially this area - easier than in their own country.)

Have a goal of doing weekly skype sessions, but understand that it probably won't be so often. Between all the stuff they have to do to get ready to leave, spending time with family and friends, current jobs, and the time difference, none of our previous au pairs have had a lot of time to chat before getting here. And as long as you do it occasionally, it doesn't seem to affect the relationship at all.

I'd just make sure you have a welcome gift basket for her with some American candy, a book on the US/area, maybe a local sports team tshirt, some gift cards (maybe Target and starbucks), a metro card, etc. Flowers or balloons are nice.

And make sure you have your detailed handbook all ready to review with her. Some of our au pairs wanted us to send it to them before getting here so they know what to expect. (Although we do go over most of it in interviews anyway.)

The first weekend, you need to understand that they may be tired from the long schedule they have at the training school. Make sure you give some rest time as well as trying to show them around a bit. We always take them to Target and the grocery store early on so they can get anything they may have forgotten.

Get her set up with a phone and wifi.

Take her to a bank ASAP and get her set up with an account so that she will receive a bank statement as soon as possible (so she can get her license).

If you need them to drive right away, make sure to have them drive around with you in the car a lot that first weekend.

Hope this helps.

Anonymous wrote:I think sending her driver licence materials to read will be stressful for her and shows that YOU are stressed about her driving ... I guess you picked an experienced driver? If so it should be all right because driving in the US is much easier than in other countries.
Just make sure to take the time to practise her driving once she's with you and well rested from her trip.

The weekly video chats, why not, if she's up for it.
The kids and her will really bond once they can actually share activities together.

Right.

Get your materials together for bank, SS office, license, etc. Have it in a folder, ready for her when she gets there. Have the schedule clear to take her around, test her driving, but let her relax and recuperate for a day. Weekly Skyping is great, as long as the kids want to do it and they don’t lose something with the current AP.

I think sending her driver licence materials to read will be stressful for her and shows that YOU are stressed about her driving ... I guess you picked an experienced driver? If so it should be all right because driving in the US is much easier than in other countries.
Just make sure to take the time to practise her driving once she's with you and well rested from her trip.

The weekly video chats, why not, if she's up for it.
The kids and her will really bond once they can actually share activities together.

My first AP was an extension, now I am getting ready to welcome my second AP who will be out of country. I am wondering what other families have learned from the onboarding process? For example I am thinking of sending her some Driver license materials to read 4 weeks before she arrives. I am also planning to have a weekly video chats with the kids about 1 month before she gets here. Is this too much? What else do you do BEFORE and after your AP arrives.
Thanks,