Tag Archives: live in childcare new orleans

Louise and Lynnesse Say Goodbye

Louise from Sweden and Lynnesse from South Africa became fast friends during their time as APIA au pairs in New Orleans.

Both had much fun living with their host families, getting to be friends with their host kids and learning about daily life in the United States.

Asked what they liked best about their experience, they agreed that matching with the right family made the experience “perfect”.

They enjoyed “having a lot of opportunities” in the city where “there’s always something to do”. And, of course, they loved Mardi Gras!

The only downside was having to say good bye to host families and friends after a year “that went too fast.”

Making Safe Decisions about Driving – Tips for Au Pairs

  • Ask your host parents where the insurance and registration documents are in the car.  These documents should always be in any vehicle you are driving.
  • Make sure you have a clear understanding of the car use rules with your host family, if not talk to them about it or call your counselor
  • Make sure you know how everything in the car works! Ask questions, even if you have to ask twice, that’s okay!
  • Find out about areas that may not be considered safe, especially in and around cities, ask your host family or me for guidance if you are not sure
  • Be extra careful at night, park in well lit safe places, avoid empty looking car parks and indoor garages when you are alone
  • Do not use your phone or any electronic devices while driving, pull over in a safe spot if you need to send a text or check your messages
  • Let your host family and/or me know immediately if you get into an accident so we can help you
  • Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. It puts lives at risk.  If you are arrested for drinking and driving there are very serious consequences.   Be a good friend and don’t let your friends drink and drive.   If you are caught drinking and driving you will go home
  • Reminder! drinking under 21 years of age is illegal in the United States
  • Always lock the car and the trunk when leaving the car unattended
  • If there is public transportation available where you live, find out how to use it and give it a try!
  • Download the apps for Uber or Lyft ~ both taxi services will pick you up and take you anywhere you need to go

Be safe and make smart decisions.  We want you to have a wonderful and safe time in the United States.  Call me if you have any questions.

Drive safe!

Au Pair Tips for Success

Stay in touch with your Community Counselor

Call 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.

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.

Take responsibility for your actions

No one is perfect. If you make a mistake, take responsibility and try to correct the situation.

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.

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.

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.

Be considerate of your host parents

Keep them informed of where you are going.

Let them know if you are staying out overnight.

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.

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

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

Set 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.

Shower or bathe regularly

Most Americans value cleanliness as a virtue. Families expect that their au pairs will bathe or shower regularly, wash hair frequently and change into clean clothes daily. Use deodorant.

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.

 

 

Lynnesse Is Nominated for Au Pair of the Year 2016

nollynnesse-apyear2016Congratulations to Lynnesse for having been nominated by her host family for the Au Pair of the Year 2016 award!

Lynnesse is a second year au pair from South Africa. Her host parents say she felt like part of the family from the start and their three young children think of her as their wonderful big sister and love to spend time with her. In addition to providing excellent care for the kids, Lynnesse enriched the family’s life by sharing her South African culture and different perspective while herself learning about the life in the United States.

 

Au Pair of the Year is a yearly contest. For more information please visit

http://www.aupairinamerica.com/aupair_of_the_year/index.asp

Oak Street Po Boy Festival

Which po boy to have? Oyster, shrimp, beef or sausage? Or perhaps one of the several more exotic varieties? Should it be dressed or not? Shared with a friend or gobbled up by one hungry self? These were the big questions facing au pairs who attended Oak Street Po Boy festival, an annual po boy extravaganza in one of the funky New Orleans neighborhoods.nolpoboyfest