Your Host Parent approach

Follow Up: Rude Comments about Au Pairs– How to respond

by cv harquail May 19, 2009
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I was thinking again about our conversation around "Myths about au pairs: Au Pair = "Hottie" , and ideas about how to respond when people make rude comments to us host parents about au pairs. One au pair commented that she was concerned that If people make these sorts of comments in your au pair’s […]

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Advice Wanted: How to set the right tone from Week 1

by cv harquail May 13, 2009
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OK experienced host moms (and dads), I need some of your advice. Although I have had three Au Pairs, they have all ended in transition so I feel like a new host mother. Since this is the first time I am going into the AP relationship with the aid of other mothers as mentors, I […]

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The Magic Wand Question

by cv harquail May 12, 2009
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We all know that having frank, candid talks between Host Parents and Au Pairs can be difficult. It can be hard to share tough feedback or to ask for a change in behavior. We recognize that often, not only the au pair but also the host parents and/or kids have to make changes in order […]

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Au Pair Appreciation: Hooray for all of you!

by cv harquail May 8, 2009
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Well, we’ve come to the end of the very first annual International Au Pair Appreciation Week! Thank you to  the host moms and dads who sent in the stories for the Au Pair Appreciation posts this week. Thank you to all of you who commented on the stories, offered snippets of your own stories, and […]

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Au Pair Appreciation: Popsicle sticks and masking tape

by cv harquail May 8, 2009
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International Au Pair Appreciation Week As shared by a Host Mom for her family Why do we appreciate our au pair so much?   Our AP is beloved by both my kids. They are five years apart and so have very different world views and needs, yet she is able to have a great time on […]

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I’ve caught a virus… and I want to share it with you!

by cv harquail May 7, 2009
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… Moms, I’m not talking about Swine Flu. I’m talking about "Mother of the Year"! Au Pair Mom is 2009 Mother of the Year! Whoohoo! MomsRising.org is spreading a virus … it’s their "Mother of the Year Award" video, the kind where you can insert the names of people you know who then show up […]

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Au Pair Appreciation: Try this today!

by cv harquail May 5, 2009
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International Au Pair Appreciation Week Moms and Dads, it’s still International Au Pair Appreciation Week, and there is STILL TIME for you to send in a note, a sentence and/or a photo to share with the world something that you appreciate about your au pair. I’d love to have a few more submissions!  Still, I […]

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Au Pair Appreciation: A collage of love

by cv harquail May 4, 2009
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International Au Pair Appreciation Week As shared by a Host Mom After being with us for only 2 months, our AP made us a beautiful collage for Christmas of photos that she had taken of the children and our dogs. It was so thoughtful and we were absolutely thrilled! It now hangs on our bulletin […]

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Au Pair Appreciation: St. Lucia

by cv harquail May 3, 2009
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International Au Pair Appreciation Week As shared by a Host Mom Our last AP was from Stockholm, Sweden. Her mother sent her 3 Swedish white ‘nightgown’ style dresses, electric "crowns" and bulbs so that she could celebrate St. Lucia Day for our benefit in December 2008. She baked sweet rolls flavored with saffron, taught our […]

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Au Pair Appreciation: Showing our sons the way

by cv harquail May 2, 2009
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International Au Pair Appreciation Week As shared by a Host Family Our Swedish, male, au pair is a wonderful addition to our family. We wanted a young man from the start. Our very active 9-year-old twins need to have a high-energy au pair who can manage and channel their energy into positive activities. Daniel is […]

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