Rematch & “transitions”

When the Cost of Rematch Seems Too High, but Your Au Pair Isn’t Working Out

by cv harquail March 3, 2016
au pair, host child, childcare

This brand new host mom, in a country without much of an Au Pairing culture, is trying hard. Despite her efforts, though, the combination of her Au Pair’s inexperience, lack of English skills, lies about driving, and basic attitude (not to mention, cultural differences between them) have led to an untenable situation. Worse still, it […]

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Why Doesn’t the Au Pair Agency Want Us to Help Out Another Au Pair?

by cv harquail January 18, 2016
hole in the heart by elton harding

When Host Families hear about Au Pairs in trouble, we often try to help.   Host Families sometimes get some early, insider information about Au Pair – Host Family relationships that are deteriorating. When the Au Pair in question looks like s/he’s getting a raw deal, it can be tempting to offer to step in and help. […]

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We’re moving, and must rematch. How soon do we tell our au pair?

by cv harquail September 23, 2010
201009231929.jpg

We have a wonderful au pair who has been living with us for 2 months. Unfortunately, due to a family medical emergency, we need to relocate to the other coast within the next 6 weeks. We will not be able to take our au pair with us so she will need to rematch. We want […]

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Unhappy Complainer who won’t make friends: Can this relationship be saved?

by cv harquail July 21, 2009
200907212132.jpg

It’s funny how sometimes, when it’s your situation, the whole thing seems complex. Then when someone else reads it, the answer is clear. Or not. Do we ever really know whether a new au pair (or host family) is just struggling to get adjusted, or instead if it’s a lost cause? Check out the description […]

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Advice Wanted: Lost Mojo, Cold Feet. Now what?

by cv harquail June 7, 2009
red crocs.jpg

Some call it losing your Host Mom Mojo. Others call it cold feet. Whatever it is that MR has, she needs some advice: "My new au pair is scheduled to arrive in less then 3 weeks. So far, we have had 2 au pairs in one year, both were failed matches. To make the matters […]

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It’s not you, it’s her. Let her go, move on.

by cv harquail June 5, 2009
sender.jpg

Hi AuPair Mom and other other host moms (and dads), Our situation is confounding us! Please help us understand… We have had an absolutely bright, lovely, and energetic 20-year-old Swedish au pair for two months. We had a great first month with her and couldn’t imagine getting along better with anyone! We had a great […]

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Advice wanted: How to navigate the Au Pair rematch process?

by cv harquail December 12, 2008
hope

Hey moms- We are in rematch and are having our Exit Interview this Saturday. Can anyone please share their experience and tell me what to expect? Our au pair has been with us for almost 4 months and we have struggled with this decision, but it is necessary to make it and move on. She […]

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In Rematch Again? Why didn’t you call me?

by cv harquail October 16, 2008
call me for au pair advice

Just a quick, little story: I heard through the grapevine that the au pair we had briefly, who rematched with another family over “personality issues” is in rematch– again. This made me wonder, just as I wondered when this au pair was in rematch the first time: Why didn’t you call me? Yes, you, host-parent-in-rematch. […]

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Exorcising the Ghost of a Bad Au Pair: Advice?

by cv harquail August 27, 2008
ghostlytooty102

– Thoughts of her send chills down your spine. – You see her in your dreams. – Thumps on the third floor make you think she still lives here. – You can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching you, criticizing you, maybe even disliking you. You can’t shake it, because you’re haunted. Haunted by […]

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