3rd hand smoke is a thing, chemicals sit on clothes, skin, etc and can be toxic. Look it up!

I wouldn't, but my children and I are also medically vulnerable to second-hand smoke effects. I would assume that she is going to smoke in your house or car at some point, regardless of rules that you set for her.

That would not work for us. We're really firm about no smoking.

Ask yourself this: what if she smokes in your home or your car? Would that upset you? Because I think you need to assume that'll happen at some point over the year.

I really appreciate the honesty and maturity with which she is approaching this - I think at that age I would have said "I smoke 1-2 cigarettes when I am out with friends" even if I were a pack a day smoker!

What really bugs me is the smell of smokers, if you could live with that it might be ok.

Would be tough for us but I second the previous poster, doesn't matter if we would match with her it's what's a non-negotiable to you. Also nicotine withdrawal is tough, would she be grumpy with the kids?

It does not really matter if *I* would match with a smoker. The question is would that work for you and your family. Having an au pair is a package-deal. Does the package work for you? I am sure that some things that are ok for our family are dealbreakers for others and vice versa. FWIW, I would not match with a smoker but that should be of little relevance to you.

We have a candidate who is what we are looking for in every way, but she indicated on the form that she smokes -she said 1/4 a pack per day. She indicated that she would not smoke in our home or car or around our 4 year old. On the one hand, I respect get honestly. We had a “non-smoker” who was really a closet smoker who smoked in her bathroom. She went home early. She won’t be able to smoke in restaurants/clubs in DC, which will be a big change from her home country. Would you match with a smoker?