20 Feb Childcare Information for New Au Pairs
Childcare in your host family will most likely be reasonably smooth and effortless, but not always…
In the beginning, the children may well have difficulty adjusting to you, and you will have to work quite hard to earn their trust and co-operation. This can be especially difficult because you have many other practical problems to deal with, as well as adjustment worries of your own.
The first few weeks are vital, however, in building a relationship since this could set the tone for the duration of your stay. Therefore you want to make sure that things get off to a good start.
One of the best things you can do is to be flexible and adapt as well as you can to the established routine. It will help the children feel more secure if you are consistent and continue the daily patterns they are used to.
Obviously no one should expect you to be a clone of the previous live-in helper or the mother, but try not to impress your personality too forcefully at first. If the children are being generally difficult, try to avoid confrontations as much as possible by making it fun for them to co-operate instead.
For example, if they are deliberately dawdling over getting dressed in the mornings, try starting a race to see who finishes first, and reward the winner with a treat after breakfast. Should they be particularly nervous of new-comers and create a fuss every time you go near them, remember that they are not being deliberately bad-tempered but are probably feeling insecure. Try to be tolerant and don’t force the issue. Subtly involve them in play by doing anything that will attract their attention.
Perhaps you could start by making something out of modeling clay or Lego and as they become increasingly interested they will probably want to try it themselves. Before you know it, they’ll be joining in and you’ll be on your way to building a friendship as well as a Lego castle.
It might take a lot of patience, but you will probably be rewarded for it eventually. Especially if they are older, they probably need you to be more of a friend then a babysitter and you should try to be that special friend for them.
Childcare Resources for Au Pairs
Here is a list of websites where you can find information about taking care of children and keeping them busy with educational activities and game.