A reference from one of our Happy Families - Family Stout
Our family have been using Childcare International to source our au pairs for over 10 years. I was recommended by a friend and I have since introduced many of my friends. I have always had au pairs from Germany as I find the German girls very sensible, kind and family orientated. I have my own criteria for choosing. I have learnt from experience what works for us. They usually stay a year and become part of the family. In fact, the term ‘au pair’ means ‘equal’ so all our au pairs have been part of the family, and not just the good parts. Our au pairs have been there through loss of family, work and house renovations; we could not have managed without them.
We have had 3 girls that didn’t work out and 10 that did to date! I always know in the first week if we can work together and have always found their replacements have proved a bonus find. For us, the au pair is like an older sister to my children and that approach has always worked well. Supporting your au pair is essential, especially when the children are small. Respecting their own time and space is also important and making sure they have privacy and …...