How Much Does the Au Pair Agency You Choose Really Matter?

by cv harquail August 21, 2013
apples

Of all the pieces that go into finding, matching and working with an au pair that’s ‘right for you’, the agency you choose is pretty low on the totem pole. I say that having only ever used one agency, so I know I’m not speaking from experience. At least with regard to agencies. Instead, I […]

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Share what you know about Au Pairs and Cross Cultural Communications!

by cv harquail August 7, 2013
Relating-325x325

Earlier this spring, I was interviewed for a research project on cross cultural challenges with host families and au pairs. The researchers recently wrote to tell me they’ are having a difficult time getting the number of interviewees that they need, and they asked if I could share this request on AuPairMom: “We are two […]

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Gone Fishin’ — Back in mid-August

by cv harquail August 7, 2013
photo (1)
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Too Stern? Or Not Stern Enough? Your Au Pair’s ‘Tone of Voice’ with Kids

by cv harquail August 6, 2013
twilight sparkle

From Should be working How can I help the AP know – when to be tough, – when to insist, – when to give in, – when to just do it for the kid even though the kid can do it for himself, – when to reach for the ‘strict tone’ and when to leave […]

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The Two Biggest Reasons Host Parents Push the Limits of the Au Pair Program

by cv harquail July 18, 2013
blue skies ahead cathynichols

Host Parents in the AuPairMom community do their very best to follow the spirit and the letter of the Au Pair Program. Yet even the most honorable, rule-abiding host parents can feel pressure to push the limits of the Au Pair program. Why? Because — as designed– an Au Pair working according to the rules […]

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How might an Au Pair help a grieving family?

by cv harquail July 17, 2013
chasing vine

Dear Au Pair Moms – I was an AP for 2 years with a family, then came back home. Now, two years later, I will be going back to help the family during a very difficult time. I wanted to go back  because my HD got diagnosed with cancer last year, and with the kids’ […]

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Does your Au Pair call you Mom or Dad, Ms. or Mr.?

by cv harquail July 9, 2013
3501770438_f75099939b

Just when I was thinking there were no more new questions about being an au pair, this one comes across the digital transom: I’m a soon to be first time au pair and I have a quick question for you. What’s the best way to address my host parents? My instinct is to call them […]

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Do Facebook Groups Really Help Au Pairs Find Host Families?

by cv harquail July 7, 2013
owl sunglasses

When it comes to looking for a new au pair, I’m a big fan of staying “inside the box”. Maybe it’s the cautious side of my nature, or the lazy side, but I’ve not been tempted to look beyond the official agencies. Meanwhile, unaccredited websites and facebook groups have sprung up all over the ‘net, offering […]

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Au Pair Asks: How Do I Ask Prospective Host Families About Guns in Their Home?

by cv harquail June 17, 2013
5705669774_7bab6d58a0

Following on our earlier post about guns in the home, here’s a different take on the issue. An au pair candidate writes to ask– How do I ask possible host families about whether they have weapons in their home? When I replied this au pair’s email, I mentioned to her that she’s the first au […]

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Au Pairs and Guns in Your House: Rules, Principles, and Having the Conversation

by cv harquail June 15, 2013
gun safety, au pair advice

I remember the first time my baby was invited to someone else’s house for a playdate, without me but with my au pair. The other child’s au pair had extended the invitation, but I called the other parents myself just to check in. I asked them all the usual questions– what time, where, allergies, any […]

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