Be a part of the family

Important information for new arrival aupairs and refresher info for existing aupairs.

     

• Spend as much time as you can with your host family, especially in the beginning of your year.  It is very important for each of you to get to know one another.
• Have dinner with your family when you can; help family setup and help clean up the dishes and kitchen after eating.
• Participate in social events with your family because you are part of this family, not just because you’re working. Join in, talk, and help out! Attend family events (holidays, birthdays, and special celebrations) with your host family.
• Show family and children that you care about them. Asking "What can I do to help?"
• Having good hygiene is important: keep yourself clean, shower daily, wear deodorant daily.  Don’t flush anything down the toilet besides used toilet paper. Other items such as tampons, napkins, and baby wipes go in the trash can.
• Set a good example for the children: make your bed daily, clean your room weekly, keep your clothes picked up.
• Keep the bathroom you use clean. Clean this bathroom twice weekly.
• Share your culture: talk about your country, teach the kids some of your language, songs, and games, and prepare some food from your country.
• Keep your car clean and neat. Respect your curfew and mileage limits. Don’t bring the car home without gas. Don’t allow anyone to smoke or drink in your car.
• When you go out for dinner with your host parents and you are not working, you should still help. You can help the kids when their food comes, help entertain the kids while they are waiting, and take a turn taking them to the bathroom. You are not a guest, you are a part of the family. And be sure and say thanks for the special meal!