A Presentation

12 Tips for Working 12 Tips for Working

as an Au Pair in as an Au Pair in

South AfricaSouth Africa

An Au Pair is a young

adult hired to take

care of children in

exchange for room

and board, and/or a

small allowance.

What is an Au Pair?

What does an Au Pair do?An Au Pair may be required to:

•Take children to school and fetch them again.

•Help children with homework.

•Play with children and keep them entertained.

•Take children on outings.

•Prepare light meals for children.

•Do the children’s laundry and ironing.

•Tidy up after the children.

Being an Au Pair

involves high levels

of responsibility.

Being an Au Pair

involves high levels

of responsibility.

But it can also be

highly rewarding.

Here are 12 tips to

help you make the

most of your

experience as an Au

Pair:

Tip 1:

Do your research before you accept a job.

Make sure that the family is trustworthy, and that

you know what they expect from you.

Tip 2:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

This applies both before and after you start working

for a family.

Tip 3:

Discuss safety arrangements and emergency procedures with the family.

Also make sure that you have all the relevant

emergency contact details.

Tip 4:

Make sure your First Aid skills are up to date.

This will help you to respond appropriately in an

emergency. It will also put the parents’ minds at

ease if they know that you are skilled in First Aid.

Tip 5:

Practice good hygiene, and if you live with

the family, make sure to keep your room

tidy.

Tip 6:

Always be on time.

This includes making sure that the children are at

school on time, that the children’s meals are ready

on time, and that you adhere to any schedules set

out by the parents.

Tip 7:

Always be positive and encouraging around the children.

You are there to create an environment in which the

children feel safe, and in which they can learn new

things without being discouraged.

Tip 8:

Never leave the children alone.

It is your responsibility to make sure that they are

safe, and an accident can happen in the blink of an

eye.

Tip 9:

Look out for behavioural changes.

Because you will be spending so much time with the

children, you will probably be the first to notice any

drastic behavioural changes.

It will then be up to you to inform the parents, so

that they can address the situation.

Tip 10:

Volunteer to help out with household chores.

While this won’t usually be part of what you are paid

to do, it will help you to feel part of the family.

Tip 11:

Respect the family’s privacy.

Don’t go around discussing their personal

circumstances with others.

Tip 12:

Say ‘thank you’.

If the family gives you a gift, or additional time off, or

invites you along on a family trip,

show good manners by saying thank you.

Want to learn how to become an Au Pair in South Africa?

Or call Skills Academy on:

0800 040 040