What is Room and Board

I often get the question what exactly is room and board. The Aupairs receive their weekly stipend of $197.75 and room and board. So Room is, they get their own private room with a door on it and this is their private space. Kids should not be allowed in the aupair room unless the aupair invites them in and everyone should always knock before entering the aupairs room. It is her/his private place. Board is,  any food and drink the aupair consumes. You may list certain foods as off limits to the aupair, maybe you have  certain items that are expensive or hard to get and alcohol should always be off limits unless you offer your aupair a drink and then of course that is your business.

But the aupair should have access to everyday foods and if the aupair eats yogurt and you don't, it would be nice to buy some yogurt for the aupair. Basic foods should be provided for your aupair. Aupairs should no be going hungry. It is important to discuss food likes and dislikes in the interviewing process because it makes it much easier when all parties are more or less on the same food page. If you eat meat everday and your aupair is a veggan you may run into some problems.

Good-Bye parties for your Aupair

The time has come, the year is over and it flew by. You are going to miss your aupair, she has become a part of the family and you know it will be tearful good bye. But you also know that now you have a new family member and your life has been enriched. Families do good byes in different ways. I always ask what the aupair wants, sometimes they want a big party and other times just a quiet dinner either with their host family or including some close friends. We have done it all from big blow out back yard parties that went until 4 in the morning to a quiet dinner out at the aupairs favorite restaurant. Whatever you do, make sure you do something to mark the end of your year together. The Aupair has taken care of  your most precious possession your children. Honor her and thank her.

Tips for a succesful year

Whether you have just arrived, or are in your extension year, it's good to remember some basics for having a good au pair experience. Communication is the basis for any good relationship. You should feel free to tell your host family how you're feeling and ask questions about anything you don't understand. It's not always easy to have an honest conversation, but it is important! Equally important is mutual respect. Don't forget that your host family has trusted you with their most precious possessions: their children. But also don't forget to treat their home, car and other possessions with respect. At the end of your stay your room should look much like it did when you arrived. Your host family should also respect you and understand how difficult it can be, coming from another country and culture. (If they forget - remember to use a little of that communication!) If you ever feel there are difficulties arising that you can't handle by
yourself, please call me. I'm here to help!