-
http://aupairmom.com/
Eden Godsoe says:
"This blogger is on her 11th au pair so knows a thing or two. Her blog is great to read some honest posts and ask questions you might not want to ask friends or your agency."
RESOURCE: AuPairMom Blog from an Experienced Host Mom
This blogger is on her 11th au pair so knows a thing or two. Her blog is great to read some honest posts and ask questions you might not want to ask friends or your agency.
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/search/au+pair
Eden Godsoe says:
"There are lots of polls/questions on every au pair-related topic in SkinnyScoop. Women share their answers and take time to write thoughtful comments."
RESOURCE: SkinnyScoop Au Pair-related Polls
There are lots of polls/questions on every au pair-related topic in SkinnyScoop. Women share their answers and take time to write thoughtful comments.
-
http://aupairclearinghouse.com/node/1120
Eden Godsoe says:
"One of the few lists of all the 14+ agencies that you can go through to find an au pair. They provide an overview of how agencies work & a quick overview of each agency."
AGENCIES: List & Overview of Au Pair Agencies Operating in the US
One of the few lists of all the 14+ agencies that you can go through to find an au pair. They provide an overview of how agencies work & a quick overview of each agency.
-
http://www.aupairinamerica.com/
Eden Godsoe says:
"This is one of the bigger agencies in the US. I have not used them but my sister is on her 4th au pair and quite happy with them"
AGENCIES: Au Pair in America
This is one of the bigger agencies in the US. I have not used them but my sister is on her 4th au pair and quite happy with them
-
http://www.culturalcare.com/
Eden Godsoe says:
"I am on my 2nd au pair with this agency. The quality of the au pairs has been stellar. Jury is still out on the customer service from Cultural Care."
AGENCIES: Cultural Care
I am on my 2nd au pair with this agency. The quality of the au pairs has been stellar. Jury is still out on the customer service from Cultural Care.
-
http://www.aupaircare.com/
Eden Godsoe says:
"This came recommended by friends and is one of the larger agencies."
AGENCIES: Au Pair Care
This came recommended by friends and is one of the larger agencies.
-
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Difference-Between-an-Au-Pair-and-a-Nanny&id=6230097
Eden Godsoe says:
"This article does a good job of listing what to think about in making a decision between a nanny or an au pair. I've had both (even at the same time) and am happy to answer people's questions about cost, benefits, etc. eden@theskinnyscoop.com"
SELECTION: The Differences Between Nannies & Au Pairs
This article does a good job of listing what to think about in making a decision between a nanny or an au pair. I've had both (even at the same time) and am happy to answer people's questions about cost, benefits, etc. eden@theskinnyscoop.com
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/5/
Eden Godsoe says:
"You definitely need to play ahead as you never know how long it will take to find a match. Some families find the right au pair in less than 1 month while others take much longer, especially first time host families."
SELECTION: Plan 2 to 3 Months Ahead (Minimum!)
You definitely need to play ahead as you never know how long it will take to find a match. Some families find the right au pair in less than 1 month while others take much longer, especially first time host families.
-
http://aupairmom.com/interviewing-au-pair-candidates-every-question-youve-ever-recommended-we-ask/2010/03/23/celiaharquail/
Eden Godsoe says:
"Whatever agency you go with will have many online resources including an interview guide. I also found this list of questions online. Figure out which questions matter most to you and your family."
SELECTION: Interview Questions
Whatever agency you go with will have many online resources including an interview guide. I also found this list of questions online. Figure out which questions matter most to you and your family.
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/73/
Eden Godsoe says:
"One thing you may want to zero in on early in your search is what country or region you are most interested in. Women across the board agree that there are definite differences in au pairs from different regions."
SELECTION: Find the Right Cultural Fit
One thing you may want to zero in on early in your search is what country or region you are most interested in. Women across the board agree that there are definite differences in au pairs from different regions.
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/2227/
Eden Godsoe says:
"Elin (Tiger Woods' ex) was an au pair when they met. Some women are ok with some this beautiful living in their house; some women are not. See what other women say in this poll and make your own decision."
SELECTION: The Hot Au Pair Debate
Elin (Tiger Woods' ex) was an au pair when they met. Some women are ok with some this beautiful living in their house; some women are not. See what other women say in this poll and make your own decision.
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/1003/
Eden Godsoe says:
"Many families opt for au pairs instead of nannies as it can be much cheaper at about $200/week stipend to the au pair. However you need to factor in upfront costs, which can exceed $7,000 for first time host families."
ADMIN: Expect Upfront Costs of $7,000 or More
Many families opt for au pairs instead of nannies as it can be much cheaper at about $200/week stipend to the au pair. However you need to factor in upfront costs, which can exceed $7,000 for first time host families.
-
ADMIN: Strict Limit of 45 Hours per Week
Eden Godsoe says:
"Au pairs provide a lot of flexibility but one thing that is NOT flexible is the 45 hours/week limit. You must also give them 1 1/2 consecutive days off per week as well as a full 48 consecutive hours off every month. I"
ADMIN: Strict Limit of 45 Hours per Week
Au pairs provide a lot of flexibility but one thing that is NOT flexible is the 45 hours/week limit. You must also give them 1 1/2 consecutive days off per week as well as a full 48 consecutive hours off every month. I
-
http://j1visa.state.gov/
Eden Godsoe says:
"Your au pair agency should deal with all paperwork including the J-1 visa. However you may want to read up on it to understand the specifics around travel and other things."
ADMIN: J-1 Visa Overview
Your au pair agency should deal with all paperwork including the J-1 visa. However you may want to read up on it to understand the specifics around travel and other things.
-
http://samontherun.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/top-10-tips-for-welcoming-your-au-pair/
Eden Godsoe says:
"Good blog post with 10 tips on welcoming a new au pair. Most are obvious like being home the first few days, including her in family events early on, not planning too much right away, making her room welcoming, etc."
ARRIVAL: Tips for Welcoming a New Au Pair
Good blog post with 10 tips on welcoming a new au pair. Most are obvious like being home the first few days, including her in family events early on, not planning too much right away, making her room welcoming, etc.
-
COMMUNICATION: Regular Meetings and Feedback
Eden Godsoe says:
"Setup a monthly meeting to review schedule, provide feedback & check in with your au pair. Of course you should establish open lines of communication at any time but a set meeting is a good idea."
COMMUNICATION: Regular Meetings and Feedback
Setup a monthly meeting to review schedule, provide feedback & check in with your au pair. Of course you should establish open lines of communication at any time but a set meeting is a good idea.
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/2/
Eden Godsoe says:
"Au pair agencies require you to provide your au pair her own bedroom including a closet. Other than that, there really aren't accomodation requirements. However I found it helpful to see what most families offered to ensure we were providing a good environment."
ACCOMMODATIONS: Her Own Bedroom is Required; All Else is Nice to Have
Au pair agencies require you to provide your au pair her own bedroom including a closet. Other than that, there really aren't accomodation requirements. However I found it helpful to see what most families offered to ensure we were providing a good environment.
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/78/
Eden Godsoe says:
"Most families decide to provide their au pair with a computer (if she does not already come with one.) One mom put it this way: "anything that keeps her happy and makes her feel connected w/ her family & friends back home is a good investment.""
ACCOMMODATIONS: Get Your Au Pair a Laptop
Most families decide to provide their au pair with a computer (if she does not already come with one.) One mom put it this way: "anything that keeps her happy and makes her feel connected w/ her family & friends back home is a good investment."
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/77/
Eden Godsoe says:
"The au pair agencies do not require you to give your au pair a cell phone but every host family agrees that you should. You will want/need a way to get in touch with your au pair throughout the day. A bigger question is what kind of rules do you put on usage, what plan do you get, what kind of cell phone works best."
ACCOMMODATIONS: Get Your Au Pair a Cell Phone
The au pair agencies do not require you to give your au pair a cell phone but every host family agrees that you should. You will want/need a way to get in touch with your au pair throughout the day. A bigger question is what kind of rules do you put on usage, what plan do you get, what kind of cell phone works best.
-
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/12/
Eden Godsoe says:
"It is up to the family (not the agency) to figure out what kind of rules they want to enforce with their au pair including curfew, visitors, TV usage, etc. Click on this link to see what rules other host families implemented."
RULES & DRIVING: Be Clear about Curfew, Driving & Other Rules
It is up to the family (not the agency) to figure out what kind of rules they want to enforce with their au pair including curfew, visitors, TV usage, etc. Click on this link to see what rules other host families implemented.