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.
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