As Seasons Change, So Do Expectations

As you know, host families and children are as busy as ever and the role an au pair plays in helping to keep everything together can change significantly depending on the time of year. During the school year, the au pair may be asked to work closely with the children on homework and school projects or may have increased driving responsibilities in helping to make sure the kids get to all of their after-school activities. As various sports seasons begin and end or scout meetings start up or wind down, these changes in the schedule and changes in season represent an important opportunity to encourage families and au pairs to communicate about any shift in expectations. Now that school has ended for most children across the country, what does the summer schedule look like for them? Are there things the host parents would like to see the children engage in during the summer months? Are there limits on video games? Is there a summer reading list they need to begin? Are there new chores the children will be responsible for? How is the schedule different? How will day camp impact the weekly au pair hours? A great way to avoid frustration about expectations not being met is to make sure that those expectations are clearly communicated beforehand, especially in light of a change in schedule or season. Encourage the families and au pairs in your region to make this a part of their weekly touch base conversation at the beginning of each season so that they can properly recognize that as seasons change, so do expectations.