sharing

Our Au Pair Generously Let Her Boyfriend Drive Our Car — Now what?

by cv harquail July 19, 2017
3756921282_32e07f547e_m

Generosity in a host parent – au pair relationship is critical. Our inclination to give, to forgive, to cut someone else a break, is what creates important flexibility in a relationship.  That’s why we say strong relationships always have a little ‘give’. One of the biggest questions for Host Parents and Au Pairs alike is how […]

11 comments Read the full article →

Share The Fun and the Not-So-Fun with Your Au Pair

by cv harquail November 11, 2014
200909282010.jpg

Prompted by our conversation over the weekend about the au pair who was unhappy with the ratio of chores-to-child interaction in his work week, I’m reposting something from 2009: One super-helpful piece of advice my friend Adelaide gave me when we got our first au pair was “Be Sure to Share the Cream.” Share both […]

4 comments Read the full article →

Do you ‘overshare’ or ‘undershare’ with your Au Pair?

by cv harquail August 21, 2014
overshare

I didn’t realized what a private creature I could be until we had our first au pair. With roommates it felt like nothing was off limits, and with my DH the main thing I kept closed was the bathroom door. But with au pairs? More of a challenge finding the right space between being closed and […]

23 comments Read the full article →

When Host Parents Reserve Treats For Themselves

by cv harquail May 19, 2014
knives

How do you communicate to your au pair that something in your home is ‘off limits’ to them, even though you host parents enjoy it liberally? Things like hot tubs, wine, the ‘nice’ car, the expensive balsamic vinegar, or a favorite coffee mug can become a source of tension, when these things are purchased or […]

69 comments Read the full article →

Should you share your au pair?

by cv harquail May 14, 2009
_3241_2787032287_3e3f592017.jpg

Good friends share with each other… tips about shoe sales, complaints about PTA events, and the whipped cream on their Frappucinos (yes, really. Ask Jenny.) But, as a good friend, should you share your au pair? (Note that it’s against the guidelines of most agencies for your au pair to work for anyone but you. […]

26 comments Read the full article →

Tip: Save those Ice Skates!

by cv harquail January 18, 2009
edgemont pond

At the park across the street, the pond has frozen. (This is actually what it looks like!) Every time the pond freezes, I congratulate myself for saving my old ice skates. About five years ago, when my little ones were taking skating lessons , I bought myself skates that actually fit me so that I […]

3 comments Read the full article →