“She is doing an excellent job with the boys – has really picked up on their personalities and how to deal with each of them. She has really been a help around the house. I like how she takes things in stride and doesn’t get easily rattled-definitely a plus in our household!” (German au pair)
“I came home to hear of how they brought some snow inside in pans & used food coloring to play & do experiments with it, and then did a scavenger hunt!” (German au pair)
“She really gets the boys and their creativity and embraces that, making efforts to encourage and support their play. The kids wanted to sell Christmas tress so she helped them set up a table at the end of their driveway, make a sign, etc. No customers on the dead end road, but the boys had a fabulous time!” (Brazilian au pair)
“She has logged some serious ‘family time’ with us over the holidays! She even got up at 6:30am to open presents with the boys, and went on our family road trip to visit the cousins in PA. She skyped with her family a few times, and was happy that the packages she sent a few weeks ago finally arrived in Germany – just after New Years. ” (German au pair)
“It’s am amazing thing to bring in a young woman and watch her become a part of our larger family. She just fits in so well. She has been a great big sister to our kids and somewhat of a little sister to us. I am confident that my kids are well cared for and loved when I am not there. She has been such a blessing. I am so sad thinking about her leaving, but so thankful for the time she was with us.” (South African au pair) 
“Our girls love being with her. She has become such a nice addition to the family. Her warm personality and demeanor has made it very easy for (us) to become comfortable with her and she with us. Her past experience with young children really shines through when she is spending time with the girls. We are so happy that we found each other!” (Spanish au pair)
“Things are going pretty well. She is really amazing with the boys. She wrote out a schedule for her & (the youngest), and made goals for him for the month (being able to take off his shoes by himself, walking to the playground, etc). When the big 3 were off school & she had everyone, she planned a whole day of Harry Potter-themed activities, crafts, recipes, etc. They loved it!” (Austrian au pair)
Photos by: Scrabble_retrofade_Virginia State Parks; Ilya-Haykinson
Just because a child is old enough to occupy themselves, doesn’t mean that they should be expected to do so the majority of the time. Host families have a certain expectation of activity and involvement for their children. Get the kids engaged and active. You can be more fun than the TV or a video game.
