Host Family Tips - Preparing Room & Kids

You need to have a room for the au pair when she arrives, it should have a door that shuts, a window or 2nd exit way, and a place to store clothes at the very minimum.  Some families also put in TVs, radios, and computers.  None of that is necessary and a lot of it will depend on your au pair and her personality. I've offered every au pair we've had a TV and DVD player and none of them have wanted it.  I do put in a clock radio with an alarm as well as a radio/CD player that they have enjoyed; as well as a jewelry holder and shoe rack.  

The other things we add to their room is pictures of the au pair and her family and friends that was sent to us from the agency from her sign up packet.  I think this helps them feel more at home when they arrive.

They do not have to have their own bathroom.  We have a home with only one bathroom and we've shared this with au pairs for the last 5 years.  It has been fine.  

Depending on the age of the child/ren, get them involved in preparing the room, reading the emails, looking at the pictures; it will help them get excited about the new person in their lives. 

Other Tips:

Before they arrive:

You might want to consider sending your future au pair several things:

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  A copy of the local DMV manual to start studying.
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  An emailed copy of your household rules.

Keep in contact through email and phone up to her arrival, send her new pictures of the kids and keep her up-to-date about what's going on.  This really helps her connect easier when she arrives.

When they arrive:

Arrive at the airport on time.  Take a sign that the kids decorated.  Many au pairs say they've saved this and taken it back home.  

At home you might want to consider a welcome basket and balloons.  Insider Tip:  Do NOT take balloons to the airport.  Trust me, she will have enough luggage and things to haul out of there.  I learned from experience that balloons are not worth the hassle in the airport!

Some of the things I've put in the welcome basket:

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  Gift cards for Starbucks, the movies, Kmart, and a restaurant.
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  Candy
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  A copy of the Household Guidebook
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  Tourist Brochures about the area

Allow time to rest:

Au Pairs are generally very tired when reaching your house.  They've had a very long week in classes, generally with very little sleep.  They've taken several flights and may still be jet lagged from the beginning of the week.  Usually I'm told all they want to do is unpack, get settled, rest and get to know the family.  A dinner out or a quiet evening at home are good ideas for the first day or two.  Remember you can't leave them alone for 3 days according to the State Department, but you can let them rest, help them tour the house, meet the family, and drive them around the town a bit.

Don't be upset if the first things they want to do is contact family and friends.  Their accessibility to email and phones is generally limited the first week and their families want to know they have arrived and settled in safely.