Host Family Guidelines

Follow these general guidelines and advice and give yourself a head start with hosting your au pair

Course Outline Information:

32 years ago, readers of The Times sent in their tips for host families to follow. Some may seem slightly 'Enid Blyton' but in general the same principals apply today

• Give her breakfast In bed on her birthday. Maybe she'll do the same for you
• Write to the girl well in advance telling her exactly what you want her to do and her hours and times of work
• Offer full return fare payable at the end of her year
• allow her specific and inalienable free time, but do not alter your way of life to suit her ephemeral conveniences
• Ask her parents at home what time she should be 'in, adjusting it for last buses, special parties, etc
• Do back her up vis-a-vis the children and insist that they show her the respect due to any grown up
• Be a trifle selfish, but grateful
• In language difficulties use example-by-action. Don't tell her, show her
• Respect her privacy and insist on her respecting yours
• Be kind but firm in all your dealings
• Don't treat your au pair as a "daughter of the house" because there is a danger she may behave like one
• Try to be consistent, neither indulgent nor exacting
• Agree on a precise daily time- table, written in duplicate and stick to it

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