When an au pair or nanny does not work out
Are things not working out with your au pair or nanny? Not a problem!
The first few months that an au pair or nanny is in your home is an adjustment period for both them and your family. Open communication can make things run much smoother. However, if you have come to a sticking point that you can't work through, there is help out there for you.
What if my au pair or nanny doesn't work out?
If you acquired your au pair or nanny through an agency (and this is highly recommended), the agency is there to support everyone involved. An au pair or nanny can call the agency counselor or coordinator at any time for advice or to help resolve a conflict.
On the same token, the agency is there to help you with any questions and to even step-in if you would like them to. In the even that your issue with your au pair or nanny is insurmountable, the agency will even counsel them, transition them out of your home and look for a replacement for you.
What percentage of au pair and nanny placements don't work out?
Needless to say that the success rate is high. But on occasion, a match of an au pair or nanny and a family is made that is just incompatible. The differences may be as minor as an introverted family and a boisterous nanny or visa-versa. In most cases, however, it is a result of a change in circumstances of either the employee or employer. Regardless of the cause, various industry sources estimate that from five to ten percent of placements don't work out.
Tips for a successful au pair / nanny and family relationship
- There is always an adjustment period for you and your aupair or nanny. Be patient and supportive and keep the lines of communication open.
- Be very specific about the au pair or nanny's responsibilities and schedule. When everyone is clear on what is expected there is less chance of a misunderstanding.
- When a problem arises or an expectation is not met, talk about it. Most of the time there is a misunderstanding that is easily rectified with communication.
- Your au pair or nanny should always be treated with the same respect and consideration that you would like to be treated with.
- Your au pair or nanny wants to be treated like a member of your family. Invite them to join in activities even when they are not on duty.
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