Kira (24), británico/a, Au Pair actualmente en Reino Unido quiere ser Au Pair & Niñera en Japón & Estados Unidos

Living in Germany as an Au Pair was an extremely fun, unique and rewarding experience and I was incredibly fortunate with my host family. They asked for on average around 25-30 hours of work a week- which I recognise is very little! And so I am open and expecting to work more with my next position (This can be discussed).

I was always welcomed and treated very much as part of the family. I believe that with the nature of this work, it is so personal, that having a healthy, respectful and genuinely close relationship with both children and parent/s is crucial. I must feel fully comfortable and valued as a human being, and I do expect the reality of working for your family to reflect the written and verbal arrangement- for example when it comes to the level of house work/ hours/ benefits/ ground rules. There are a lot of Au Pair horror stories out there and while I am very flexible and can adapt easily to change, I will not stay in a position that is not what I signed up for. If we chat, it's equally essential that I am a good fit for you, and the position you offer is good for me. Let's be fully transparent!

My previous duties included: Picking up the youngest child from kindergarten, playing with all three boys, bathing the youngest, occasionally babysitting, taking the boys to sports, reading with them, of course teaching/ developing their English skills, encouraging the boys to keep their spaces tidy (I did of course assist but it's important to differentiate between an Au Pair and a maid), emptying and filling the dishwasher and once or twice a week doing a portion of the children's laundry.

In exchange for this work, I was afforded $250 per month, a travel card which allowed use of public transport all around the city, freedom to buy and give receipts for any groceries I purchase, German lessons twice a week, and a very spacious and well-furnished annexe in the the family's home.

This position was quite generous however I fully recognise that every family is different, and most will require more working hours/ tasks. The main thing for me however is that I am treated similarly to how I was in Dusseldorf. My host parents truly cared for me as a person, and still often check in with me even now. If I am to move across the world to come and live with your family, I promise to work hard, earn my keep and be a positive and enthusiastic addition to your daily life. However, I do expect to be truly valued and welcomed, and treated as you would like yourself or your child to be should they ever choose to travel and live abroad.