setting expectations

Texting: Taming the Au Pair Distraction

by cv harquail February 10, 2012
2501197232_47834f3285_b.jpg

Who’s got an au pair who texts a lot?  Sometimes at inappropriate times, and often without any understanding of how this behavior distracts them? Raise your hands. Okay, you can all put down your hands. It annoys me hugely that people have bad manners when it comes to texting. In our family, we have rules […]

33 comments Read the full article →

From “Part Time” to “Full Time”: Can I ramp up my au pair’s hours over time?

by cv harquail July 7, 2010
201007071327.jpg

Dear AuPairMom, I’m a mom, employed part-time, who is thinking about getting an au pair. I’m thinking of having an au pair to (1) care for my kids while I’m working, (2) work with me as a mother’s helper as I care for the children, and (3) make it possible to get other things done […]

21 comments Read the full article →

What can an Au Pair expect from a Host Family?

by cv harquail May 3, 2010
201005030944.jpg

In the mirror post to this one, we’re generating a list of ways that families interpret and execute the rules, but with the effect of having the au pair feel mistreated. Here on this page is our chance to list what an au pair can expect from a family when both the family and the […]

18 comments Read the full article →

How to Handle Costs for a Ski Vacation: Who should pay for what?

by cv harquail February 5, 2010
201002050906.jpg

When a host family takes their au pair with them to work during part of the vacation, what should they provide for her during her off-duty time? Especially, what should you provide on a ski vacation, where costs are relatively high and your au pair can’t afford to pay for her own skiing? A European […]

36 comments Read the full article →