Do’s and Don'ts for a Family Holiday with Your Au Pair

When taking your Au Pair on a family holiday, there are some important guidelines to follow to ensure that the experience is enjoyable and respectful for everyone. Here's a simple list of do's and don'ts to help you navigate your family holiday with your Au Pair.

Do’s:

1. Set Clear Expectations: Before the trip, have a conversation with your Au Pair about what’s expected of them. Clarify their duties, how much free time they’ll have, and any responsibilities they’ll need to fulfill. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings later.
2. Offer Personal Time: Ensure your Au Pair has time off to relax and enjoy the holiday as well. Respect their need for downtime and allow them the freedom to explore independently.
3. Include Them in the Family Fun: Invite your Au Pair to join family activities, meals, and outings. Treat them as a part of the family, and let them experience the destination as you do, unless they’ve asked for some alone time.
4. Ensure Comfort and Privacy: Pay attention to your Au Pair’s accommodation and sleeping arrangements. Make sure they have a comfortable space without  significantly impacting  the costs of the trip.

Don’ts:

1. Overburden Your Au Pair with Work: Avoid treating your Au Pair as an employee while on holiday. Don't ask them to work excessively or to take on extra childcare responsibilities beyond what you have agreed on. Give them space to enjoy their time off.
2. Ignore Their Personal Boundaries: Respect your Au Pair’s personal time and privacy. Don't expect them to always be "on" or available to help, especially during their off-hours. It’s important that they have the freedom to relax as they wish.
3. Treat Them as a "Free" Babysitter: While it’s natural to ask for help with the kids, avoid relying on your Au Pair as a free babysitter during every moment of your trip. Let them enjoy the experience and explore the holiday too, not just serve as a childcare provider.
4. Assume They Have the Same Preferences: Just because your family enjoys a certain activity or food doesn’t mean your Au Pair will. Be mindful of their preferences, whether it’s food, activities, or cultural norms. Include them in decision-making and be open to their suggestions.
5. Forget About Travel Expenses: Don’t assume your Au Pair will cover their own expenses unless this has been previously discussed and agreed upon. Make sure you are clear about who will pay for travel, accommodation, meals, and any other costs involved in the trip.
6. Make Last-Minute Changes: Avoid changing plans at the last minute, as this can be stressful for your Au Pair. Provide enough notice if there are any changes in the itinerary or schedule. Clear communication is key.

By keeping these Do’s and Don’ts in mind, your family holiday with your Au Pair can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Ensuring mutual respect, clear communication, and a balance of family bonding and personal time will lead to a more harmonious trip for both your family and your Au Pair. Enjoy your vacation together!