by Gloria Gonzalez
How to Choose an Au Pair
A lot of families decide to have an au pair at home but finding the right person may not be easy, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you are conducting the selection process by yourself or with an agency, here are some tips when choosing an au pair:
- Don’t eliminate an au pair just because of their age. My experience has taught me that maturity has nothing to do with age. Some 19-year-olds have more experience than someone 28 years old.
- Check all the references, and ask for the CRB as well as medical certificate and first aid.
- Explain clearly to the au pair what the daily routine is and whatever chores she or he is expected to do.
- Usually it is better to choose someone who has lived away from home for some time or at least has travelled abroad often.
- Don’t say no to a male au pair just because of gender. Again, my own experience has taught me that male au pairs can be as good as female.
- It’s not only about what is in the CV—take some time to chat with the au pair about personal life, future career goals, hobbies and so on.
- Be ready to make them part of your family, but remember that family and au pair will keep a certain level of independence.
As you can see there are many things to think about when it comes to choosing an au pair, but once it is done and you’ve chosen the right one, your family life can really improve—less stress during the school runs, more flexibility and more quality time with your loved ones.
There can be other benefits as well: for the children the au pair is seen as a big sister/brother or role model. I remember when I was an au pair and I arrived at my host family’s home. The child I took care of (Debbie, who was 8 years old) was always saying that she wouldn’t go to university. After a few months in the house, she saw I went to university, I had my friends, and I could have a nice job in the future. She started to see university as something that maybe she would like. This is only an example of how au pairs can be so important in your child’s life.
Another advantage is language. Depending on your priorities, or where you were born, you can choose your au pair nationality so the children can learn or practise another language which is very useful.
It’s very common for families to engage several au pairs over the course of their kids’ childhood. Most au pairs will continue a friendly relationship with both parents and children for years to come.
This article is brought to you by G&G au pair agency. Gloria’s experience was the motivation to create the agency—she wanted to fill a void that she experienced when she herself was working as an au pair. She saw that most agencies felt quite commercial, were very expensive and involved little personal interaction. G&G is a small agency that looks for the best for both families and au pairs. Now Gloria lives between London and Spain and offers a bespoke service. Don’t hesitate to contact her for further information.
