The Buzz, Cultural Care Au Pair Blog

4th graders raise $3,000 for Kids First!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:15:37 -0400

I was lucky enough to visit the Alcott School in Cambridge, MA on their last day of school last Friday. Justine Hebert, a local childcare coordinator (LCC) for Cultural Care Au Pair (pictured on the far right), also teaches one of the fourth grade classes at the school. She regularly invites her students to help raise money for our organization’s philanthropic program, Kids First. This year, her kids organized a talent show, several bake sales and even contributed money from their personal allowances to contribute this whopping sum. They even presented us with a homemade check! Thank you Justine and students at the Alcott school. Our Kids First partners will certainly appreciate it.

As Seasons Change, So Do Expectations

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:04:00 -0400

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.

Our "Au Pair of the Year" featured in the Richmond Times

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:52:00 -0400

Ricardo Silva de Araújo, who won the International Au Pair Association’s 2009 “Au Pair of the Year”, is currently being featured in the “Lifestyle” section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Complete with a slide show and narrative from Ricardo, the article is a heartwarming account of how this au pair has positively impacted the lives of his host family, particularly that of teenage boy Taylor Boyer. Ricardo returned home to Brazil earlier this month but it is clear that neither he, nor the Boyer family, will soon forget what an incredible adventure they have shared together. You won’t want to miss this story or the movie Cultural Care Au Pair created about Ricardo earlier this year.

What can I do to make my new au pair feel welcome? It is...

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:09:30 -0400

What can I do to make my new au pair feel welcome? It is important to make your new au pair feel welcome. You might want to send something to her at the Au Pair Training School in her first week in the U.S. Greet her at the airport with homemade signs and balloons. Decorate her room with photos from home and small gifts – PJs, a travel book on your area, a baseball cap for a local sports team. Show her around your town. Help her get her drivers license and open a bank account. Watch my video for more details.

A Cultural Care Ice Cream Social raises almost $1,000 for Kids First!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:36:07 -0400

Local Childcare Coordinators Carina Rush (NY), Ellen Sicinski (CT), Carrie Smuckler (CT) and friend Katherine Morehead (from left to right) smile about a successful Kids First event. Au pairs enjoy some tasty dessert.

One hundred and thirty ice cream cones were served at a Cultural Care Au Pair Ice Cream Social last weekend, hosted by Local Childcare Coordinators in CT and NY. The social occurred next to a family outdoor concert in Ridgefield, CT so the refreshing snacks were appreciated by parents and children alike! In total, 45 Cultural Care au pairs helped staff the event and 24 host families attended. Altogether, $465 was raised for Cultural Care’s philanthropic program, Kids First. Because Cultural Care matches donations at 100%, almost $1,000 total will be donated to our three partners: Ubuhle Babantwana, an orphanage and daycare center in South Africa; Casa do Zezinho, an after-school program in Brazil; and St. Mary’s Academy, a school in New Orleans.

What is being an au pair all about? My host family and I are a...

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:15:00 -0400

What is being an au pair all about?

My host family and I are a great match although I actually had planned to find a host family in New York. But seriously…it’s not the place that is important, it’s the family you stay and live with for so long! In all these 11 months we haven’t fought once and we’ve had a lot of fun! We both (my host mum and I) knew right after our first talk that it was going to work out well. And since it worked out that well I just decided to stay with them for another year.

What is it all about? I tell you it’s all about playing, changing diapers, the right temperature of milk in the right sippy cup with the right top, hot dogs without the ends, pony tails with three hair elastics + headband + barrettes, making tubs, making yummy lunch boxes which every other kid in class is jealous of, making the perfect pancakes, watching the baby so he doesn’t choke, break toys, crumble drawings or chew on favorite stuffies and a lot more! It’s all about spending enough time with everyone and having a lot of fun! I know the kids so well and figured all their special needs out and the nicest things they give me are baby smiles and hugs and drawings from the girls. I love them all they’re great! I’m so glad I don’t have to leave yet and can’t wait for the next fun 13 months!

A True Gift

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:13:00 -0400

One of the best gifts we can receive is the gift of feedback. We can get so used to our routines and the ways that we’re “used” to doing things that we may miss an opportunity for improvement. As you know, Cultural Care launches an extensive customer satisfaction survey each Fall and Spring and this provides incredibly valuable feedback on our program and the level of customer service we are providing. However, soliciting feedback should not be restricted to just these two surveys. Be sure to ask your au pairs and host families during your monthly meetings and phone calls how they feel things are going in terms of the support they are receiving. How do they feel the monthly meetings are going? Are there additional topics they would like to see covered? Is there more information we can provide to them? Are there events they would like to see the organization offer locally? Are there “hot topics” that the au pairs are asking or talking about that should be addressed? Every time we speak with our families and au pairs, we have an opportunity to seek ways to improve the customer service we provide. Asking for feedback may provide you with a pleasant surprise when you hear the positive responses to things you’ve been doing and will also provide you with an opportunity to modify other approaches to better serve your region. Be sure to ask your group to provide you with feedback all year long, it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!

Welcome to The Buzz!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:35 -0400

Welcome to The Buzz!

A typical American host family

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:02:00 -0400

I enjoy my life as an au pair in my great host family! I’m watching three kids. First of all there is Olivia, she’s 5 years and the oldest. She is starting Kindergarten next year. Besides school she takes swim, karate and soccer classes. Olivia is very smart, fun and always up for drawing, doing arts and crafts or playing baseball and football.

Audrey is 3 years old and just finished her first year of pre-school. She’s a typical girl and doesn’t wear her princess crown less then 6 days a week…except when she wears her sparkly headband instead. So of course, Audrey is taking dance classes but also swim and soccer classes. Audrey loves having tea parties, playing with her groovy girls, dancing or making pictures with stickers.

Last but not least there is Henry. He was born the first day I arrived to my new home! He is 11 months old and the cutest baby around! He brings a lot of fun to the family! He loves taking tubs, so his favorite room has become…the bathroom! He always sneaks back in there and you’ll have to catch him before he plays in the toilet. He is getting so good at crawling and standing, and he’ll probably be walking soon. I can’t wait to hear him talking! It’s a lot of fun for me watching him growing up!

A Letter To Remember

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:26:00 -0400

Au pairs experience so much throughout the course of the year and change in many different ways. A neat way to mark those changes and acknowledge their achievements is to have au pairs who have just arrived take some time at your next meeting to write a letter to themselves. They should include first impressions at the school and with the host family, goals they have for the year, places they want to travel, friends they may have already made. It may be interesting to also include some things that they may be nervous about or initial experiences they may be intimidated by. Have them put their thoughts in a sealed envelope and mark the date of their arrival on the back. At their last meeting in your group return this letter to them.

This is a really personal way for them to see how much they’ve developed and how much their perspective has changed. If they are staying for a second year it can be an even more enlightening moment for them to receive this letter at the end of that second year. They will likely have forgotten that they wrote it but it will be one of their most treasured souvenirs of their experience in the United States.

Are there any discounts or rewards for repeat families? In...

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:25:00 -0400

Are there any discounts or rewards for repeat families? In January of this year, Cultural Care Au Pair launched a program specifically for repeat families, called Repeat Rewards, in response to our customer satisfaction survey. More than anything else, we realized it is important for us to pass on the biggest savings to families who are loyal to our program. Repeat families can save up to $2,000 when extending with their current au pair and up to $1,000 when they welcome a new overseas au pair. Watch my video for more details.

Can my au pair teach my children her native language? One of the...

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Can my au pair teach my children her native language? One of the great benefits of bringing an au pair into your home is exposing your family to another culture and language. It is important to remember that one of your au pair’s goals will be to improve her English while she’s here. If you do want your children to be learning your au pair’s native language, it is definitely possible. You just have to make sure that you find a happy medium. You can do this by setting expectations in advance. It is important to establish mutually agreeable guidelines so that both your au pair and your family are making the most of the cultural exchange experience. Watch my video for more details.

Cultural Care Au Pair on ABC news

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:06:00 -0400

Cultural Care Au Pair’s Peace of Mind Guarantee made national news yesterday as families look for protection against an uncertain ecomonic climate. Our Peace of Mind Guarantee offers a financial safeguard in the case that a host parent loses a job, and this program feature, announced in March, is one reason why host moms Krysti Zeiger and Brenda Sonneveldt, both chose to host a Cultural Care au pair. Watch the story now!

How should I interview an au pair candidate? Once you have been...

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

How should I interview an au pair candidate? Once you have been matched with an au pair, it’s time to figure out if she is the best fit for your family. Start by making a list of questions prior to calling her for an interview. When calling, remember that it is a lot harder to speak English over the phone than it is in person. I recommend that you speak slowly and ask open-ended questions. You will want to ask her about her family, her personal interests and her childcare experience. I always recommend a second phone call, but sometimes you just know on your first one. Trust your own instincts. Watch my video for more details.

Cultural Care au pairs hit Beantown by storm!

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:10:00 -0400

On Saturday, May 16th, over 250 au pairs living with American families in the Greater Boston area took part in a Beantown Scavenger Hunt organized by staff and Local Childcare Coordinators in Massachusetts. Au pairs navigated the city on foot to find answers to questions about the city’s history, culture and politics. And, when they didn’t know the answers, they were encouraged to ask locals for help. Winning teams received Red Sox tickets and gift cards to local establishments.

“The scavenger hunt is a fun and interesting way for these international women and men to learn more about our great city,” said Jenny Berryman Horne, Local Program Director for Cultural Care Au Pair. “It is a memorable experience for them, and I think the locals enjoy helping out, too.”

Cultural Care fashion show a hit in L.A.!

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:20:07 -0400

(From top going clockwise: Cultural Care au pairs getting ready to walk the runway; au pairs Camille from Denmark and Sofi from Sweden enjoying the show; three proud host moms, including Kandus Simpson (right), hostess of the event)

On Sunday, May 17th, twenty-two Cultural Care au pairs descended a circular staircase, while modeling the Spring/Summer line of a well-known apparel company. These “Top Models” sashayed down the runway in celebration of an annual event organized by local childcare coordinator (LCC) Lee Rappaport. Her goal is to honor host moms to local au pairs with a high tea and fashion show. This year, the menu featured finger sandwiches, chocolate dipped strawberries and homemade sweets.

Au pairs who weren’t modeling acted as stylists and wardrobe masters for the day, and the one male au pair in the group, Jessin Siirak from Sweden, took on the coveted role of photographer! This experience prompted many au pairs to contemplate a future career in high fashion and allowed area host moms to relax and cheer on their au pairs.

What are the qualifications for becoming an au pair? Au pairs...

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

What are the qualifications for becoming an au pair? Au pairs must have childcare experience, be between the ages of 18 and 26, have completed secondary school, be proficient in English and complete a background check. They fill out an extensive application which details their education and family background, childcare experience and references. Screening also includes an interview in English and the au pair’s native language. Watch my video for more details.

Is hosting an au pair right for my family? When you are...

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Is hosting an au pair right for my family? When you are considering whether or not to host an au pair, it is very natural to have concerns about welcoming another person to live in your home. People worry about giving up privacy, the cost of the program and getting along. We have always given our au pairs space and they’ve always seemed to recognize when we needed ours. What you get in return for any privacy you give up is the flexibility of having them in your own home. Parents find an au pair to be less expensive compared to nannies or daycare. It’s only about $320 per week, no matter how many children you have. Just like other family members, au pairs require attention. It’s like everything in life; you get out of it what you put into it. If you’re prepared to truly welcome someone into your home then the au pair program just might be the choice for you. Watch my video for more details.

Winners of au pair video contest announced

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:32:00 -0400

To kick off Cultural Care Au Pair’s new website: aupairvideos.com, au pair candidates who uploaded footage of themselves had the opportunity to win a Flip camera. Winners of this cool gadget which is “as simple as it is fun” had the most unique and compelling video entries as judged by Cultural Care staff. Our 5 winners include:

Leonie, 19 from Germany

Eva, 18, from Austria

Julia, 19 from Sweden

Aline, 20 from Mexico
Tassanee, 22 from Thailand

Au pairs: if you have not submitted a video of yourself yet, take a look at these entries for inspiration and upload your own video so potential host families can get to know you better.

Families: take a look (literally) at all of the great candidates who are available to travel to your home this summer!

Au Pair Answer Mom is now on YouTube! In addition to our office...

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:21:00 -0400

Au Pair Answer Mom is now on YouTube! In addition to our office staff and your Local Childcare Coordinator (LCC), there is someone else who can help answer questions about hosting an au pair and that’s Au Pair Answer Mom.

The Au Pair Answer Mom shares her own thoughts on some of the most common questions about hosting a Cultural Care au pair through short video clips. Be sure to check out Cultural Care Au Pair’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/culturalcare for answers to the most common questions.

Have a question you’d like answered? Email aupairanswermom@culturalcare.com with your question!