To keep in mind when choosing a family

There are many things to keep in mind when choosinf a family, the importance of each of them depends on us, but I would deeply recommend to keep all of these in mind when deciding if a family is the right one for you:

• The parents: The first thing to metion and what I personally believe is the most important factor is the parents attitude towards you. When you look to profiles, try to find comments made by the parents about being willing to make the au pair feel like she is part of the family; this shows that they are not only looking for a housekeeper or a babysitter, but that they are interested in the cultural exchange and that you will be welcomed to participate with them in different family events. The connection you feel in the e-mail exchanges is also something to take into account. If from the beggining you feel like you don't click with each other find another family. Keep in mind that the first days you spend with the family you will feel vulnerable and that a good relationship with the family will be of great help in those moments.

• The children:  If you are one of those people who hates dirty diapers and who can't stand crying children don't consider choosing a family with babies. If, in the other hand, you are not an active person, who is also patiend and who is willing to run, get dirty and to play a thousand games, don't choose a family with older children who need to be entertained all the time. Most of your time in the host country wil be spent with the children you will be taking care of, so, keep in mind what kind of care those children will need and if you will be able to face those needs in a daily basis. 

• Where they live. If you hate the countryside and you are a city person, don't consider moving to a small town or to a house away from civilization. And obviously, if you are a country person who hates the stress and the movement of big cities and prefers the quiet and long walks with nobody around, you better not choose a family who lives in a big city. Both places have its advantages and disadvantages. Usually, the famillies who live in the countryside have bigger houses and more place to play, while most of the families living in big cities live in appartments. At the same time, living in a big city implies having many things to do both with the children and on your own or with friends; while in little towns or in the countryside the things you will be able to do are limited. 

• What will your duties be? Most families will ask you to help with some "light housework"; insist to the parents to specify which this will include. Some families might only ask you to pick up the toys the kids leave out, while others might ask for much more (cleaning the kids' rooms, doing laundry, ironing, cooking, cleaning their dishes...). Always remember which tasks you are NOT supposed to be doing: cleaning and tidying up the parents' bedroom, doing big cleaning work, cleaning windows, doing the parents' laundry... Keep in ming that being an au pair means taking care of the children, not being a housekeeper.