Looking for some fun ways to welcome your new au pair into the family? Whether it's your first or your sixth au pair, it's important to make her feel welcome and there are lots of things that the whole family can do to make the transition fun for everyone. Ideas For Before Your Au Pair Arrives
One great project to do with the kids is to create a welcome package to send to your au pair before she even makes the flight over. Have each of the kids draw pictures of the family members, even your pets, and include a short letter from each person. Some other great little things to include could be:
- A road map of your city
- A T-shirt you can ask her to wear in the airport so the kids can spot her when she gets off the plane
- A picture of the room she'll use with a teddy bear and sign on the bed that says "Can't wait to meet you!"
- A list of names and email address or phone numbers of other au pairs in the area so she can start making friends right away (your Area Director should be able to provide this).
- Send her the website link to the AuPairCare's Caf where she can start to talk to other au pairs and the Area Director in your town: http://www.aupaircare.com/aupairblog/
If you're a blogger send your au pair the link to your website so she can read about your family and see any pictures you've posted. Or create a family Google account -fill in your Google calendar with what you're doing now and things you'd like to do with your au pair after she arrives, upload family photos to your web album, and use the email address to communicate with her and even keep in touch with former au pairs!
Ideas For After Your Au Pair Arrives
When your au pair arrives take the whole family to greet her at the airport. Maybe go out for a meal at your family's favorite restaurant then drive the long way home so she can see her new neighborhood. A welcome basket in her room is a nice way to let her know that your family has been thinking about her and looking forward to her arrival. The basket could include:
- A few toiletries
- Your area director's card
- A public transportation pass for her first month
- A little notebook with "Family Fun Facts" like everyone's favorite color, family movies you like to watch together, etc.
- A library card
- A public transportation pass for her first month, if available
One evening during her first week have the whole family make dinner together and ask her to join. While everyone is eating together, go around the table and have each person say one thing they're excited to do with the new au pair or something they hope to learn from her. The next week ask her to get a recipe for her favorite meal or something her mom always makes and then have her teach everyone how to prepare it.
Anything you can do to help your au pair feel more at home and included in the family will make the transition easier for everyone. Help your au pair learn about your family and everyone's routines. Your new program year is an opportunity to gain a new family member, learn all about a new culture, and make some amazing memories together!
For more information about hosting an au pair with AuPairCare, please visit www.aupaircare.com or call our toll free number at (800) 428-7247.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
