Requirements to Become an Au Pair

It is often said that children are the future. It is therefore so vital that they are looked after, cared for, and nurtured to become the best versions of themselves that they can be. As parents, life demands a lot from us and, as much as we would love to, we do have to recognise the fact that we should sometimes ask for help to get it all done. This is where au pairs come in. Au pairs are special individuals who become part of happy families to share the tasks and responsibilities specifically around raising children.

It’s All About the Children

As an au pair, the main requirement is that you love children. You should have a passion for looking after children. To provide these wonderful little human beings with the necessary care and attention they deserve. The aim is to stimulate them when they are learning and when they are playing, as well as to provide them with a feeling of security in order to support their development.

Required Characteristics and Personality Traits of an Au Pair

• Be punctual: This is not only professional and makes a good impression, but it is also vital to create a sense of stability for the children, to make sure that they are always where they need to be when they need to be, and to make them feel secure.
• Be friendly: Children can be taxing at times, but it is important that they trust you and feel they can approach you with anything that bothers them.
• Be consistent: This creates a sense of security for the children and helps them to recognise boundaries. If you are inconsistent with your behaviour, they will continue to push boundaries to see where the line is for you.
• Be reliable: Trust is so important. Both the parents and the children need to trust you. To win their trust, you should be a person of your word and your actions should at all times prove that you are trustworthy.
• Be creative: Raising children requires creative thinking. Whether it is to entertain them, to teach them, or to capture their imagination, you should have the ability to think outside the box.
• Communicate: Never assume and always be open to communication. This will build trust and familiarity between you and the family. It will also help to avoid any misunderstandings and unnecessary tension.

To find out more about what it takes to become a successful au pair, get in touch with AuPair Extraordinaire. Our passion for the industry has made us a preferred resource, and we are always looking for new talent to join our ranks.