I'd like to chat about schedules. Everyone has a crazy schedule and everyone's schedule varies. But, when thinking about a schedule for your au pair, try to find something that is consistent. Maybe you'll be able to allow the au pair to consistently have Saturday nights off, maybe it's Sunday evenings, or even Thursday evenings. Having a few consistencies in an au pair's life will help ground them in our culture.
Whenever you find the time to consistently give your au pair off, plan for your own family to do something fun. It doesn't have to be crazy, complicated fun. When my kids were younger we watched America's Funniest Home Videos every Sunday night. The kids looked so forward to the alone time w/ mom & dad that they would clean up their rooms, make their lunches for school the next day and start asking us when it started. I was amazed how much they looked forward to consistently watching the show w/ us. Because it was scheduled, they anticipated it. Plan your own family time at the same time your au pair is given off. Everyone in the house will come back refreshed and reengergized.
Here's a schedule http://www.aupaircare.com/au-pair/typical-schedule to help you make your own schedule.
AuPairCare is the leading au pair agency providing live-in childcare services to American families since 1989. Designated by the U.S. Department of State, Au Pair Care offers superior childcare to fit your family's unique needs.
