Be Our Guest Poster!
There is a LOT of host parenting wisdom out there. We know it from what we see shared here in the comments and occasionally through guest posts written by host parents or au pairs.
If you have some wisdom to share with host parents and au pairs, and you’d like to serve it up in your own special style, consider writing a guest post that we can share here with all the readers of AuPairMom.
A Guest Post could be anywhere from 200 to 2000 words long, on any topic you want. The style can be funny, reflective, directive, or rambling– whatever works to get your ideas across. If you’d prefer to do a vlog, that would be fun too!
Once your post goes up, you can respond to other readers in the comments to continue to shape the conversation, and you can even write a follow-up post.
June 23, 2010: I have also figured out how to add people as “authors” so that a search engine can find you and so that people know it’s you (not me) who wrote the body of the post. This is a good improvement for those of you (like LCCs) who get extra ‘credit’ for publishing anything about your au pair program.
If you are interested in writing a guest post, shoot me an email at mom at aupairmom dot com. cv
P.s., this photo isn’t of me, but I sure would love a snuggled up baby to keep me company! , sigh.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello,
My first, and current, au pair arrived 4 weeks before my due date with my second child. My second child arrived exactly 7 days after her arrival!
After reading your blog obsessively and interviewing all the coordinators in my area, I know that being REALLY honest about yourself, your lifestyle, and what you want out of your au pair relationship will result in making a really great match. A great match will lead to a relationship that is just as flexible and reliable as you desire when you are at home. I have been back to work for 6 weeks now, but my husband is off work for the summer. He is an elementary school assistant principal. So, our au pair has been in a constant state of change since her arrival is February. Fortunately, she has taken this in stride. I am hoping I can find a way to adopt her so she can stay forever!
I’d love to write something for your blog. I am very new to the au pair scene, but very enthusiastic and excited to share. So much of the information out there sounds like a horror story. I have had such a positive experience. I feel like my greatest insights are new babies and matching. Since so many people research online first, I would really like to contribute something positive to ease the anxiety that turns many away from au pairs.
Let me know if you’d like to hear more from me.
Tashina Hartley, Winston Salem, NC
We matched with an AP from Sweden who grew up in a small city (pop. 20,000) surrounded by countryside. Her driving skills were excellent, and she adjusted to city driving without a hitch. My husband drove with her once in our minivan and once in our subcompact. She never had an accident. The one thing she did have trouble adjusting to was navigation – she was forever getting lost for the first 6-8 weeks. Once she adjusted to mapquest and map reading, she did absolutely fine.
In my experience with European APs – it is so much harder to get a license than in the US, that their basic driving skills are at the advanced-intermediate to advanced level when they arrive, and it takes them no time at all to adjust. My current AP, from a medium city (pop. 120,000) surrounded by countryside, was shocked the first time she saw rush hour traffic on the major highway near our community, but now she drives on it all the time – even during rush hour.
The best thing you can do with a new AP, in addition to having them drive, is to have them ride with you on some routine trips you make and ask you questions. For example, in Germany when drivers signal to change lanes they expect to be let in, while here in the States, as we all know, there are plenty of people who will close drivers off from lane changes and one must be one’s guard. I wouldn’t have been able to communicate that if she hadn’t ridden in the passenger seat during rush hour traffic. Now, she’s cautious about looking over her shoulder as she changes lanes.
(Now, don’t get me started on the Chinese AP I had from a city (pop. 3,000,000) who never advanced above the advanced beginner level of driving… so calm down, it’s the skill of the driver more than the the size of their hometown.
Once you match, though, advise your incoming AP to practice more highway driving, more inner city driving, etc. before she arrives.
So many people love this posting, it has become a favorite on my blog and I would love to share with you.
Why hire an Au Pair?- “To find someone who will truly love my children”.
Recently I interviewed a new Host Family in Philadelphia. I met a lovely family with two adorable one-year old twin girls. I immediately noticed how these sweet cute girls were adored by their parents. The interview ran fine, we discussed child care while both parents holding one child, playing and kissing them with boundless love.
We came to the questions and I asked, “What made your family decide to host an Au Pair over other childcare options?” The father said, “I don’t want a nanny any more for my kids. The last nanny did a fine job, but she didn’t bond with the children. I am looking for someone who will truly love my children as a family member.
http://goaupairphiladelphia.wordpress.com/2010/11/08/i-want-to-find-an-au-pair-who-will-truly-love-my%C2%A0children/