Be patient the cold will end and Spring will come

This time of year is difficult for all of us, especially if you live in the Northern States where the cold seems to never end and I am sure in Atlanta and the Southern States that never see the white stuff! This has been a long and cold Winter and for some of our Warm weather Aupairs this is particularly difficult. So we as host parents need to be aware of our aupairs moods and understand that the weather may play a big role in their sadness, homesickness or otherwise moodiness. Often aupairs are not allowed to drive when it is snowing or icy outside (we should not be out either) so they may be feeling trapped in the house not being able to see their friends, or maybe the kids have had snow days that never seem to end. Be understanding of your aupair and talk with her/him about how they are feeling is very important. It will be warm again and then in Mid August when it is 100 F outside you will long for these cool days.

Ten Questions I Wish I Asked my Child Care Provider

Ten Questions I Wish I Asked my Child Care Provider

Interviewing potential child care providers can be a daunting task. AuPairCare, an au pair matching agency, interviews thousands of international au pair applicants each year to assure they represent only the highest quality child care providers. Regardless of what type of child care provider you are seeking, AuPairCare recommends you consider the following questions, which go beyond basic child care experience, when interviewing applicants who will be taking care of your children.

1.     Are you trained in either CPR or First Aid?

2.     What is your discipline philosophy?

3.     Do you have a high school diploma and plans to continue your education?

4.     Do you have a valid driver’s license, and how much driving experience do you have?

5.     Can you offer flexible child care hours, including nights and weekends?

6.     Do you have any other obligations such as a part time job or children of your own that might impact your availability?

7.     Tell me what you love most about taking care of children? What is the hardest part?

8.     What is your favorite food? What type of meals do you prepare for kids?

9.     Do you have your own health insurance?

10.  Why should we let you care for our children?

“Parents need to have a complete picture of their child care provider’s experience, child care philosophy and personality before hiring,” said Heidi Woehl, vice president of AuPairCare. “It’s important that you are 100% confident in your child care provider’s ability and that your child enjoys spending time with your provider.  At AuPairCare we screen each au pair on a number of factors – including educational background, medical and psychological stability, criminal record, and child care references before accepting them into our program. Au pairs also receive accident and travel insurance, training in CPR and First Aid, and constant support by local staff. Most of all, we make sure each au pair has a sincere interest in caring for children.”