If you decide to take your au pair on your family holiday there are a few things you should keep in mind so that you can have a great time together.
Taking an au pair on a family holiday is not without its advantages: the children have a familiar caregiver, parents have time to relax and don’t have to go searching for local babysitters if they want a night to themselves. It can also be advantageous for the au pair as it is an opportunity to travel cheaply.
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For a family holiday with an au pair, there are a few things host families should keep in mind:
1. Don’t overburden the au pair with work
When some host families bring an au pair on their holiday they presume that the au pair should be available to work 24/7. This, however, is not the case. Unless you have made specific arrangements with your au pair, they should stick to their regular number of working hours. If daytime excursions and babysitting evenings will be adding up, discuss it with you au pair and see how much they are comfortable working. Of course, any overtime should be adequately compensated. The au pair should have time to enjoy the holiday and be able to relax in between her shifts.
2. Appreciate the work
It is important to remember that just because you are relaxing in your new surroundings, your au pair is still working. Whether you are on a sandy beach or in a secluded forest, childcare is still work. Many au pairs find their work during family holidays in an unfamiliar environment even more exhausting than home care.
If the au pair is working their regular hours during the trip, they are entitled to their regular number of days off.
3. Involve the au pair
Involve the au pair in the planning of activities and excursions. Of course, as a parent, you can decide what you want to do, but your au pair should not feel left out. If a plan changes last minute, inform your au pair so she can readjust her schedule. It would be very unpleasant for the au pair to constantly learn last minute what the day’s plan is. Also, if you include the au pair in your planning, they might have some great family-friendly activity ideas.
4. Privacy
Everyone needs a certain amount of peace, privacy and time for themselves. In your family home, a private lockable room for your au pair is non-negotiable. On holiday, it is not always possible to afford a separate room. Nonetheless, you should make sure that the au pair has as much time and space for herself as you can afford her. For example, if your au pair is sharing a room with your children, take them on a trip one day and offer your au pair the day off to relax.
5. Visa
And finally, find out in advance if your au pair needs a visa for your holiday destination.
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