What is the real impact of having Au Pairs come and go for young children?
My question is on what do you think the impact is on children with the comings & goings of Au Pairs? Do you think it is causing unnecessary trauma/pain to little ones by getting an AP? It isn't so much the 'getting" as the "going away" at the end of the year. If they extend and stay 2 years, does that make it harder on the kids? Is it better to only have the same AP for one year? What is your professional opinion on infants, toddlers, preschoolers who have multiple APs? Does your opinion change if they have special needs like Autism, Sensory Issues, etc?
We are not currently a host family, but are seriously considering it. This is just one of the things that bothers me and makes me wonder if this is going to be a good experience for them or just unnecessary pain/hurt. Is it in the best interest of our little ones. {Ages 4 and almost 2} to get an Au Pair? Our little ones are very open and loving to people. I guess I am just worrying that they will be damaged someway because we got an Au Pair knowing that she can't stay longer than a year or two. We have never put our children in daycare, etc so maybe that is why I am so worried? Please share your professional opinion and maybe some tips/advice on how it can go smoother or easier. I would just like to make this decision with having some facts and not just worries.
There is no trauma involved in hosting an au pair!
Hi there!
I can understand your concern about upsetting the children, as they see au pairs come and go after one year, but there is no trauma involved. They may be upset at first, and miss the au pair, but they bounce back very nicely, as young children tend to do. If there was a very good relationship between the au pair and children, there is no reason for it to end - they can and should keep in touch by the internet, which is easy and fairly accessible these days.
Children love to hear from their former au pairs! Au pairs really appreciate the contact soon - it makes them feel appreciated and connected to the family. Why not keep in touch and foster an ongoing relationship that can lead to visits in the future, by your au pair, or when and if you travel abroad with your children? It is all a part of the cultural exchange program!
Edina
What is the real impact of having Au Pairs come and go for young
Our first pre-school teacher got married three months after school started. When we signed up for ballet, we got a new teacher three months later because the teacher had some health issues. We had a nanny who quit after six months because she got divorced and moved. So my kids have had to navigate change from an early age, and I think they have done very well with it. We have not had any issues with having new au pairs each year. In fact, I look forward to the enthusiasm that the new au pair brings to our house every year. The way I look at it is that we are the constants in their life, friends, teachers, people will come in and out, and so we try to make sure we are very involved with them — and the au pairs, as well. The au pairs we have had all stay in touch with our kids. We skype with one of them every week, one has come to visit us often (she came twice this year), and we see them all on Facebook. So they have learned that while people in their life come and go, they will always still be around in some way. And the bond they have had with our au pairs... I can't describe how amazing I think it has been for them. Good luck with your decision to host an au pair.
Re: Edina
That is what we were hoping for,but I guess I wanted to make sure that was realistic. I have read some great stories about Au Pairs and the Host Families still keeping in touch years later. Thanks for the reassurance!
you are very welcome!
Hi! You are very welcome! We hope you find a great agency and a great au pair. We would love to hear back from you about your experience.
Best,
Edina
Re: Edina
Hi Edina! I will definitely let you know how it goes. Thanks for having this board and letting us have a place to ask questions and get answers.
you are very welcome!
Hi, you are quite welcome. I am glad that we can be of service. I would be interested in what agency you finally settle on and how the entire experience was, from initial contact to the match. Your feedback would be very helpful to all readers!
Thank you!
Best,
Edina