Going on holiday with the au pair - yes or no?

If you’re already hiring an au pair, you will know just how valuable they can be to your family, and just how much of a role they play as a part in your family too. Something many host parents worry about is whether or not it’s a good idea to take their au pair on holiday with them.

we think it’s a big YES

Of course, you will need to manage the situation carefully. For instance, if you have a new au pair starting, it’s important that they understand that your family’s holiday mode and activities are not your usual schedule and that while things are a lot more relaxed on holiday, the relationship needs to be kept professional at all times. You would also be well-warned to firmly iron out the boundaries, responsibilities and holiday working hours with your au-pair, before you set off on holiday. Think about things such as meal times – will the au-pair be responsible for certain meals, will you be paying for all their meals when you go out to restaurants?

That aside, a holiday with your au pair can be a great way to really get to know each other and let’s face it; you can probably do with the helping hand with the kids anyway.

If you’re still grappling with the idea and aren’t sure what to do, here are a few of the top benefits of taking your au pair on holiday with you:

  • Your au pair will get to learn more about your family traditions. Remember that your au pair will spend a lot of time with your children and will be involved in moulding and shaping them. It’s important for them to know what the family traditions are and even who the key family members and role models are.
  • Your au pair will be given the opportunity to truly bond with your children in a more relaxed and exciting environment. With day to day schedules put aside for a short while, your children will form more of a friendship with your au pair, and that can be great for all parties.
  • You will be able to develop a relationship with your au pair and show them that they are appreciated. Whether it’s in small gifts, holiday cards, extra time-out or similar, it’s a great way to show your au pair that they are included and part of the family.

With the festive season already upon us, it can be a great time to test out how holidaying with your au pair might work out. Remember that you will need to give your au pair fair notice if you want them to join you on holiday. For more information and advice on holidaying with your au pair, don’t hesitate to contact us at Au Pair Extraordinaire.