Important Information
How to Avoid a Misunderstanding
Most of the European Au-pair schemes do not require a contract to be signed between the host family and the Au-pair (An Au-pair plus should receive a written statement of the main terms and conditions of his/her employment). It is relied upon both parties to fulfil the rules of this cultural arrangement by mutual agreement.
As long as an Au-pair remembers that they came to the foreign country to study the language in return for helping the family with childcare and light housework, and the family respects the limited amount of help they can expect from the Au-pair, then few misunderstandings will occur.
Problems can arise in the following circumstances:
| 1. |
If the Au-pair is looked upon as cheap labour or a servant and is made to work hard for limitless hours. |
| 2. |
If the Au-pair is not allowed to visit language classes or leave the house by not having a key, or is forced out of the house for some period, is not given food, is not given their own room, is not allowed to wash clothes in the house, is left alone with the children for over long periods of time or suffers any kind of abuse. |
| 3. |
If the Au-pair refuses to help the family with housework. |
| 4. |
If the Au-pair is not able to look after children. |
| 5. |
If the Au-pair steals or otherwise damages the family and its property . |
| 6. |
If the Au-pair proves irresponsible (e.g.returning home late). |
| 7. |
If the Au-pair cannot stop feeling homesick. |
There must be compromises made on both sides to make this arrangement work and the success depends mainly on people’s willingness to understand each other’s needs. |
