About Au Pair in America

Au Pair in America is the nation's first legal au pair program. Since 1986, we have provided the best child care opportunities to host families across the US and au pairs from around the world.

Au Pair Tips

HELPFUL HINTS FOR AU PAIRS

1. Stay in touch with your Community Counselor –it is the only way he/she will get to know you!

2. Attend cluster meetings

  • Call or email if you cannot come to a monthly meeting
  • Let your counselor know if you will be out of town
  • Call when you need help or advice-your counselor is an impartial listener and will always consider both sides of the situation. Your counselor will  give you an honest opinion.

3. Be a good buddy

Remember what it is like to be a new au pair. Welcome new arrivals. Arrange to meet a new au pair. Take her out. Accompany her to the next cluster meeting.

4. Take responsibility for your actions

No one is perfect. If you make a mistake, take responsibility and try to correct the situation. Speak openly and honestly with your host family when a mistake has been made.

5. Respect the privacy of others

Gossiping about other au pairs and host families can be very harmful. If your friends confide in you, honor the confidence. Do not tell others about what goes on in other host families. Use discretion when posting on Facebook. Remember, host families read it too!

6. Communicate

  • Share your ideas, discuss cultural differences, ask questions when you don’t understand
  • If you have a problem, present it to your host parents clearly and calmly. Suggest a solution to the situation. Listen to what they say and try to reach a compromise.
  • Let your host family know if language is a problem. Admit if you do not understand a word or instructions. Ask questions.
  • Keep in mind that everyone has good intentions. We may just not know what they are. When there is a disagreement with your host family, remember to listen to their point-of-view.  You may not agree with it, but it’s important to listen and hear it.

7. Follow house rules.

The only way you will establish trust is by following rules – even those with which you may not agree.  If you are not sure of the house rule, ask..

8. Be considerate of your host parents.

  • Keep them informed of where you are going.
  • Let them know if you are staying out over night.
  • If you plan on traveling, discuss the details with them and do not interfere with their schedules.
  • Remember that your host parents are tired when they get home from work.

9. Show appreciation – return the favors your family does for you with kindness and generosity.

10. Take initiative – don’t wait to be asked, anticipate children’s needs, offer to help when you are sharing “family time”

 11. Let a good example.

  • The children you care for look up to you. Don’t do things in front of the children that their parents would not want them doing.

 12.Take care of yourself

  • Have reasonable expectations of yourself – be patient as you learn to adjust to life in America
  • Try to understand and accept cultural differences – that is part of why you came here; learn from the experience
  • If you are feeling homesick or house bound call someone and give yourself something to look forward to
  • Keep reasonable evening hours if you are expected to get up early to work the next day

 Talk, Talk, Talk! Communication and an open mind are key to a successful year!

Holiday Survival for Au Pairs

Posted by Gail Tomanelli on Nov 19, 2009 No Comments

As we head into the holidays, it is important to consider how this time of year may impact you and your host family.

As Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s approach, please keep in mind that you may feel homesick, even if you haven’t at other times. People, places, and traditions are missed; our traditions and activities are unfamiliar to you, and you may not know what is expected of you during this very busy time of year. Your emotions may be close to the surface during the holiday season, and the enormity of the year away from home may hit you hard.

We can help you through this unfamiliar territory by talking openly about your feelings and by giving you some very specific advice:

  • Participate in your family’s activities as much as possible.
  • Talk to your family about what to expect and what their needs are during this busy season.
  • Ask what your schedule will be.  There’s a good chance your schedule will change during the holidays.
  • Share some of your favorite traditions/holiday foods/songs, etc with your family
  • Ask questions if you don’t understand something

Routines change during the holiday season:  parents are home, grandparents may be visiting, and children are off from school.

  • Be clear about your schedule, and pay particular attention to vacation plans.

If you are leaving the country for vacation:

  • Be sure that your DS 2019 form is signed by Evelyn Blum in the Stamford, CT office.  This is the paperwork required for you to re-enter the United States.
  • Mail it to Evelyn Blum, Au Pair in America, 9 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06902.
  • Include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope that has been pre-paid at the post office.

If you will be accompanying your host family on a vacation, please be clear about their expectations:

  • Will you be working? If so, this is not a vacation for you, and the same regulations apply—45 hours/week.

The high emotions and energy of the children at this time of year may seem overwhelming to you.  You may be surprised by the quantity of gifts children receive and the excesses of food and decorations. Try not to make judgments and enjoy the general excitement of the season. Remember, you came to the U.S. to see  and learn something new.

Many au pairs want to visit Times Square in New York Cityon New Year’s Eve.http://newyearseve.com/stories-experience-times-square-on-new-years-eve.php If you do have the time off and you’re going to NYC, please use caution.  It will be very crowded.  Stay with your friends, keep your belongings close and don’t bring your passport with you.  LEAVE YOUR PASSPORT HOME!!

I hope this helps you enjoy the season with your host family and friends.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a new year of joy, health, and peace.

gail

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