Initial Issues You May Have
Breaking The Ice
If you feel a bit shy and awkward when meeting the family and it seems they are the same then to overcome your own shyness try to concentrate on the children and this may make you feel more relaxed and will help the family aswell. Language will be a big factor but no one will be expecting you to be making a lot of conversation if you know little of the native language, but try your best to make a little conversation this will most definitely get better as time go by and you attend a language school and mix with the local people and make friends.
When you first arrive you will probably be very tired and want feel like doing much, however you will most likely be given a tour of the house and be shown your room. The best thing to do is not to go straight to your room but to spend some time socialising with the family and most importantly getting to know the children. You should not be expected to do any work just after you have arrived but offering to help with small things before going to bed will help.
The First Day For An Au pair/Nanny
Try to gain an idea of the families routine and what they do in a typical day, this will help you fit into it more smoothly.
- Make sure your new family knows the name, address and telephone number of your next to kin.
- Make a list of all emergency numbers and keep them to hand, in your mobile is recommended.
- Locate the first aid box, every house has one of some kind.
- Learn how to operate the household appliances.
- Ask for a set of keys to the house or the room where you will stay.
- Take note of any house rules.
- Find out when you can be expected to be paid.
- Sort out what chores you may have and try to organise yourself to fit them into your week
- Find out what das you have off so you can have something to look forward too.