subject: What Makes A Good Au Pair? [print this page] Choosing an au pair to look after your children is not a decision that can be taken lightly, and there are a number of factors to take into consideration before you make that all important selection. In this article we'll look at some of the main things to consider when interviewing the people who you will charge with looking after your offspring.
The term au pair refers to someone who lives in a host family and looks after the children contained within that family. With this in mind it is essential to consider how that person will fit in with all the members of the family, not just the children. You cannot bring the decision entirely down to the CV of the person you are interviewing, you have to try and get a 'real' feel for the person, and how they would get on from a social perspective with the rest of your family. Perhaps a brief introduction to the children would be a good way to gauge is they are well suited to looking after your children, although it is important not to base your decision entirely on this, as any rapport might not be evident immediately.
From a practical point of view, you should find out if the person's diet will be easily dealt with. For example, if your au pair is vegetarian or even vegan, then you might be looking at a long standing issue around the dinner table. Equally, if you have any pets, you might want to ensure the potential au pair likes dogs or cats, or whatever animals you have. They may, for example, have an allergy to the animals, too.
Does the potential au pair drive? This can be a very valuable skill, especially for things like dropping the kids of at school or playgroup, as well as running errands like grocery shopping. You have to consider that this person will become something very similar to a family member, and you need to make sure they fit in with the existing roles.
Lat but not least, you need to get a feel for how you, the adults, the parents, will get on with this person. Take your time to find out about this person, and let them find out about you too. Make sure you feel relaxed in their presence, as you will be spending a lot of time with them, around the dinner table, in the living room, and in the kitchen.
