Best AuPair Guide

When you reach your destination, it may or may not be “love at first sight” with your new family. Some au pairs and their host families click right away, while establishing a close connection takes longer for others. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t immediately feel at home in your new surroundings. It may take some time to feel truly a part of the family. Having realistic expectations and being willing to work through the infant stages of the job will help you get through the first weeks with the host family.

I was lucky in that I instantly felt comfortable with my host family. Part of it was that we had established a decent connection via email in the weeks before my arrival. This contact helped us get to know each other, at least to some level, before actually meeting. Taking the time to write your family, telling them about yourself and your home life, will help lay the groundwork for the relationship. Finding out more about them will also help you feel more comfortable with the family before you actually meet, limiting the awkward newness that can come from moving in with nearly total strangers.

Regardless of how your initial meeting with your family is, keep an open mind, good attitude, and willingness to give the relationship time to develop. If both sides are willing to put effort into making the situation work, you will truly feel as though you are one of the family within a short matter of time.

Chances are the trip to your new home will be long - with flight time, a layover or two, and the usual delays,  your journey could end up lasting over 24 hours. While it’s tough to completely avoid the exhaustion of travel, there are some ways you can make the trip more bearable.

Above all, dress for the journey. Be sure to dress comfortably and in layers, and remember the importance of slip-on shoes to get through security. Low-maintenance shoes will also keep you from the hassle of trying to untie and tie shoes in cramped airplane seats. Wearing breathable layers, such as a cotton shirt and sweater, is your best bet for keeping comfortable on your flight.

If you’re leaving a warm climate and headed to a cold one, don’t try to lug all your winter gear on board with you. A simple scarf and warm jacket should suffice, while the rest of your cold weather items can stay in checked baggage, out of the way. You want to keep your carry on luggage as limited as possible, especially if you do not have a direct flight. Bring only the necessities: glasses/and or contacts, any meds you need, basic toiletries and cosmetics, and a book or magazines to help stave off boredom.

Taking an herbal/vitamin supplement, such as Airborne (and there are others on the market), will help keep your immune system strong during the trip. Airplanes are notorious havens for viruses and bacteria, so be sure to drink plenty of water with any supplements you take. Also be sure to get plenty of rest, both before and during the journey. You do not want to start out your au pair year sick upon arrival, and good nutrition, rest, and hydration will help keep you healthy.