When an au pair joins an American host family, everyone in the family benefits from the cultural exchange experience — parents, children — even grandparents! The father of a host parent recently shared his perspective on Emily, the au pair for his grandchildren, who developed close relationships with each member of her family, from infants to octogenarians. Read his touching letter, excerpted below:
“For the last two years, Emily has been the primary care provider for our three grandchildren, [a five-year-old girl and] identical twin boys, ages two and a half. We are all in somewhat of a state of depression as we prepare for Emily’s return to England. We simply can’t imagine life without her. I don’t make the statement with regards to the fact that we will miss her work as an au pair, which was always exceptional; but rather in that we are saying goodbye to a member of our family, with whom we simply can’t imagine not being here.
Emily arrived when the twins were only eight months old and one was struggling with a debilitating, life threatening condition called “infantile spasms.” It was the most difficult situation our family has ever faced. Emily was a calming force for all of us and created an environment of complete love and solitude for the children. She played a key role in my grandson’s recovery, which the neurologists have called nothing short of a miracle. Both twins are also slightly developmentally delayed, and Emily is diligent in assisting them with physical, occupational, and speech therapies to bring “her boys” along. She celebrates every milestone with hugs, kisses and celebration. Her genuine love and care are unmatched. She doesn’t just provide care; she engages, nurtures and exudes love every moment she is with the children. All three absolutely love and adore her.
Emily’s impact on our family doesn’t end with the children. She has become a sister, a daughter and granddaughter. When she is not working, Emily spends most of her time with the family, as she has somehow become a dear friend to each and every member of our family. We all cherish our Emily time – in my case, horror movies every Monday evening. It especially gives me great joy in watching the hours of one-on-one conversation Emily has with the twins’ 86-year-old great grandfather. She has brought joy to four generations of our family, and we all simply love and adore her. And if she isn’t brightening one of our lives, you will usually find her cuddling and loving on one of the family’s two dogs, who have also grown fond of her belly rubs and ear scratching.
Over the last two years, we have also been privileged to get to know Emily’s family in Great Britain and have brought her mother and brothers to America twice to celebrate Thanksgiving and the 4th of July with us. Your program has truly joined our families together forever.”
Grandparents: Could your family benefit from exceptional child care and a unique cultural exchange experience? Learn more about how your adult children can host an au pair for your grandchildren at www.aupairinamerica.com.
