Introduction
When it comes to hosting an au pair, there are many misconceptions about what is expected of the host family. Au pairs are young individuals who come to live with a host family and help with childcare in exchange for room and board. However, there are some common misconceptions that people have about what host families can and cannot expect from their au pair.
Host Family Misconception 1: Au Pairs are live-in babysitters
One of the biggest misconceptions about au pairs is that they are simply live-in babysitters. While au pairs do help with childcare, they are not expected to be solely responsible for the children in the household. Host families should not rely on their au pair to take on all of the parental duties, such as discipline, education, and medical care. Au pairs should be considered as an extra pair of hands to help with childcare, rather than a replacement for the parents.
Host Family Misconception 2: Au Pairs should be available 24/7
Another common misconception is that au pairs should be available to work 24/7. Au pairs are typically allowed to work up to 45 hours per week, and their schedule should be agreed upon in advance with the host family. It is important for host families to respect their au pair’s time off and not expect them to be constantly on call. Au pairs also have the right to free time to explore the local area, attend language classes, and socialize with other au pairs.
Host Family Misconception 3: Au Pairs should do household chores
Some host families mistakenly believe that au pairs should also be responsible for household chores in addition to childcare duties. While it is common for au pairs to help out with light household tasks related to the children, such as tidying up their rooms or doing their laundry, they should not be expected to take on full household cleaning duties. Host families should be clear about what is expected of their au pair in terms of household chores, and should not overload them with work that is not related to childcare.
Conclusion
By understanding the common misconceptions about au pair host family expectations, host families can ensure a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with their au pair. It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your au pair about your expectations and to respect their boundaries and rights as well. Remember that au pairs are young individuals who are there to learn and experience a new culture, so it is important to treat them with respect and kindness.
