Welcome to our Family

Insert family photo

Family Name

Address

Australia

Tel: +61 …….

Email: …………

WELCOME

Welcome to Australia and welcome to our family. We are really excited to have you

come and stay with us and hope you enjoy your time here. We really want you to feel

like part of our family and want you to make this your second home.

We have chosen to host an au pair in our home because we think it will be fun – for

you, for us and for our children! We think it will give us great opportunities to do

things and go places as a family. I have travelled overseas extensively and the thing I

liked most was to get away from the tourist areas and meet local families and join in

with them, so we hope to offer you the same.

We have created this manual so you have something to refer to and hopefully give you

an idea of what it will be like living here. We encourage open communication and clear

expectations so that we all get the best out of this experience. If you are unclear

about anything in this manual or anything else at all then please do not hesitate to ask.

If you have anything you would like to add please let me know.

BASIC FAMILY INFORMATION

ADDRESS

HOME PHONE NUMBER:

MOBILE PHONE NUMBERS:

WORK PHONE NUMBERS:

OTHER PHONE NUMBERS:

Emergency Services 000

EMAILS:

BIRTHDAYS

OTHER SIGNIFICANT DATES

INTRODUCTION TO THE DADDY OF THE HOUSE

Insert photo

All about the father of the house

INTRODUCTION TO THE MUMMY

All about the mother

THE CHILDREN

I include an insight into their personality, their activities, what they like/don’t like

etc.

THE PETS

DAILY/WEEKLY ROUTINE

Just a summary of what time we get up, our morning routine. What time/day activities

are, school, after school etc., then the afternoon schedule leading in to the evening

and bedtime. The children’s routine, not necessarily the au pair.

MEALS

Breakfast is …….

Lunch is ……..

The evening meal is usually around 6.00pm. We try to have a variety of foods …………

Any food intolerances concessions…….

If you use the last of something please leave a note or let me know so I can buy more.

We don’t usually have a lot of soft drink/soda and very little alcohol. Nothing is off

limits except ………. We only shop once a week so please be considerate of others and

only take your fair share.

We have a general rule that if one person cooks the other person does the washing of

the dishes. If you could also take your turn that would be appreciated, just as you

would at home or in a share housing situation. It is expected that most meals would be

shared as a family, as would cleaning up afterward. This is not considered work time

but something you do as part of a family.

YOUR ROOM AND THE REST OF THE HOUSE

Your room is your own private space we will not enter unless invited, however please

keep the door closed when you are not there to keep the children out. Please keep

your room clean, no food scraps or dishes to be left in your room; ensure that you turn

your light and heater/fan off when you are not in your room, remove any smelly

clothes and wet towels. Please keep any medications up high out of reach just in case

the children get in to your room.

Please be aware that the children are not aware of privacy or boundaries and are used

to being in that room. If you don’t want him in there please close the door. He is very

inquisitive and will touch (and probably destroy) anything he can reach. He also thinks

the little boy he sees in the mirror is great fun to play with.

There are fresh sheets and pillowcases in the cupboard for you to change your

bedding as you wish. Please vacuum the carpet in your room as its needed, if you spill

something on the carpet just let us know so we can have it cleaned as soon as possible.

Please do not burn candles in your room.

You are welcome to watch tv downstairs in the playroom if you would like to watch

something different to us, or if you would just like a bit of time to yourself. Please

tidy up after yourself and don’t leave any food or drinks down there as we don’t want

to encourage mice. There is also a shower and toilet down there if the upstairs

bathroom is occupied.

Personal items such as toiletries, shampoo, toothpaste, sanitary products, medicines

and any medical expenses are your responsibility. We do not supply a uniform however

please keep in mind that your clothing should be appropriate for active and often

messy play with a toddler. Please remove your shoes when inside the house. No shoes

on the carpet.

Please keep the baby gate on the bathroom closed as he can get the drawers and doors

open and we don’t want him falling down the laundry shoot.

Toddler can go up and down the stairs on his own but please make sure he holds on to

the hand rail.

LAUNDRY

The laundry shoot is in the cupboard in the upstairs bathroom. We have an automatic

washing machine. I try to only wash twice a week and full loads only. Toddler’s clothes

are often dirtier than normal and may need an overnight soak before washing.

We don’t have a dryer but use the clothes hanging line outside to dry in the sunlight.

There is also hanging space under the house for wet weather days or for special items

of clothing that may fade.

The iron and ironing board is in the cupboard in ….. room. I prefer all the ironing to be

done at once and put away rather than just turning the iron on for one item. All of

children’s clothes are ironed including their pyjamas. This is something I always do

myself, the laundry is not one of your tasks. You are welcome to throw your own

clothes in the laundry basket with ours to do all together unless you prefer to do

yours separately.

TELEPHONE AND INTERNET

You are free to use the telephone for unlimited local calls. Long distance, and calls to

mobiles must be kept short and international calls are not permitted unless by prior

arrangement. We suggest you use Skype or other Internet based method to keep in

contact with your friends and family. When you are at home alone please always

answer the phone. If the call is for my husband or I then take a message with the

caller’s details.

Wireless Internet is available in the house. My husband will give you the details for

connection and assistance if you need it to get your computer connected. Please do

not use our service to download large files such as movies, television shows, games,

music or for any other illegal activity. Uploading or sharing photos of our children on

the internet or social media is absolutely forbidden at all times.

Please do not use your personal mobile/smart phone whilst with the children. Your

focus needs to be on them as potentially dangerous situations can arise if you are

distracted by your phone. Also do not bring your phone to the table at mealtimes as

this is considered extremely rude.

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

We have a split system cooling/heating unit in the lounge area. In winter we have a

heater for your room but please remember to turn it off each morning and unplug at

the wall. For hot weather the lounge room has an air conditioner and you can have the

fan in your room. The house is very well ventilated so sometimes its better just to

open all the windows. If you do run the air conditioner, make sure all external windows

and doors are closed. Please do not leave heaters or air conditioners running if you are

not going to be in the room. Always unplug heaters at the wall.

WEATHER

Our summer can get quite hot and the sun is very strong so it is easy to get sunburnt.

It is very important to wear a hat and sunscreen when you go outside or to the beach

or go swimming. Shorts and tshirts are the best clothing.

Winter is relatively mild in comparison to European winters however the houses in

Australia aren’t insulated and heated as much as in Europe. Therefore it may seem

colder. Our house does get quite cold inside and we have polished wood floors that

feel very cold. It’s a good idea to bring slippers, warm pyjamas, a gown for night and

long plants with a good jumper for during the day. An overcoat against the wind would

be good too.

The children must always wear a hat when outside regardless of the weather. Please

put sunscreen on his face, neck and arms.

(I include an average temperature chart for our area, available from BOM)

OTHER POINTS

Please do not run the showers or taps for too long to conserve. When washing the

dishes in the kitchen please only fill the sink once and don’t keep the taps running.

If the bin in the kitchen is full, please take it downstairs to the big bins. The big bins

are emptied each Wednesday so they need to be left at the side of the road for the

truck to collect.

Please turn off the light when you leave the room. Unplug any appliance that is not in

use.

We live in an agricultural cropping area. From time to time, during harvest or spraying,

you may notice more dust and pollen in the air outside. If you are prone to hayfever

this may be a sensitive time for you.

We are 103kms from the centre of Brisbane, approximately 1.5hrs depending on

traffic. We are approximately 200kms from the Sunshine Coast (2.5hrs) and 145kms

from the Gold Coast (1hr 45mins).

WHERE WE LIVE

We live in ………… which is about a 12 minute drive from …….. This area is………

Shops, facilities and services

XXXXXX has 3 supermarkets (Coles, Aldi and IGA), post office, pharmacies, doctors,

dentists, McDonalds, banks, newsagents, hair salons, discount stores, a public library,

public swimming pool, public & private schools and a few coffee shops, University …..

There are a number of sporting and social clubs that the general public can join.

There are quite a few sporting clubs and a small gymnasium.

We are approximately 45 minutes to ………. and 1.5hrs to ………..

Public Transport

Banking

All major Australian banks have a branch in XXXX (National, Commonwealth, Westpac)

and there are a few smaller ones. There are multiple ATM’s in town.

Communication (mobile)

We have a Telstra antenna so that will give you the strongest coverage in the house.

There are a number of providers however because we live in a valley the signal

strength will be very week unless you use a provider that uses the Telstra network.

Medical

In Australia most doctors charge approximately $65.00 to visit, you pay the Medical

Centre when you visit then claim reimbursement with your private travel insurance

provider. The closest medical centre is xxxxx, ph. 0000 0000, they have both male

and female doctors available.

HOUSE RULES

And now for the boring stuff, if you are unsure or don’t understand any of

these please speak to us. We would prefer to sort out any

misunderstandings before they become big problems so we can make this

experience as enjoyable as possible for both of us.

We use manners – please, thank you, may I, excuse me. Apart from being polite it

is good for the children to observe and learn. This includes table manners when

we’re eating.

If it’s not yours don’t touch it. Respect each other’s belongings. This includes

laptops, computers, ipads, iphones and other mobile phones.

Illegal drug use including marijuana is unacceptable at any time and will result in

immediate dismissal and the police will be advised. We do not encourage drinking

of alcohol at home. My husband may have a beer if we are hosting a barbeque, if

you should like to partake at a social event, please drink in moderation and never

when caring for the children. We do not smoke and do not allow smoking in or

around our home. Please disclose if you are taking any prescription medication. All

medications, including Paracetamol, must be kept out of sight and out of reach.

Please never accept a lift from anyone who has been drinking alcohol or under the

influence of drugs. If you are at a party or out and you want to come home please

always call us, no matter what time it is or where you are. We will always come and

get you rather than risk you driving in a potentially dangerous situation. Call

anytime.

You are welcome to invite friends to our house as long as we are home at the time.

There is to be no visitors when we are not home unless you have made prior

arrangements with us and we have met the friend previously. There is to be no

male guests sleeping over at night ever. You are responsible for the behavior of

your guests while they are in hour home. Our rules regarding drug use, drinking

and smoking also apply to your friends while they are here. There is to be no

promiscuous activity in view of the children. Please ensure your guests maintain

our privacy, respect our home and belongings and do not “help themselves” to any

food or drinks of the family.

You can connect to our internet wifi but please don’t download any large files,

movies, music or games. Please be responsible on social media and avoid trolls and

bullying posts. No online gambling or adult 18+ material.

There is to be absolutely no photos of our children to be posted or shared on

social media or anywhere online by an aupair EVER. This is absolutely non-

negotiable.

While your own time is yours to do what you wish, please give us a general idea of

where you will be and what time you will be home. We ask this for your own safety

and so that if we need to get in contact with you urgently we know where you are.

If you are not going to be home for dinner please let us know.

If you use our car for your own personal use, please replace any petrol used before

returning the car. You are responsible for any traffic infringements, speeding

violations, accidents and damage to the car when it is in your use. The car is only

to be used locally unless you have discussed your travel plans with us prior to

taking the car. Do not remove the child seats under any circumstances. Under no

circumstances should you use your mobile phone while driving. A car use

agreement will be given to you should you wish to use our car for personal use.

EXPECTATIONS AS ONE OF THE FAMILY

Clean up after yourself. If you drop something, pick it up. If you spill something,

wipe it up. This includes the bathroom and toilet.

Please take turns doing the washing up and put away when dry. If you don’t know

where something goes ask or leave it out.

Remember that EVERYTHING on the floor goes in toddler’s mouth so please don’t

leave anything on the floor, particularly small things he can choke on like buttons

and coins.

Toddler is curious about everything, so if you leave something out he will get in to

it. If you value it, put it away. Especially books, magazines, notepads – he will rip

the pages out. Don’t leave your laptop, tablet or phone where toddler can get to it.

Keep them in your room at all times.

If you see the bin in the kitchen is full, please take it downstairs to the big bin.

Please replace the toilet paper rolls if you use the last of it. No one wants to

realise too late that there’s no paper left on the roll.

Please keep the screen doors closed at all times, especially the ones at the top of

the stairs.

Remember, please don’t leave anything on the floor. Even if you just pick it up and

put it on the table or bench for later, as long as it’s out of toddler’s reach.

Meals are to be taken as a family. It’s a time for everyone to relax and talk. If

you are not going to be home please let us know. It is not considered work time

and everyone is expected to contribute to preparing for dinner just as they are to

contribute to cleaning up afterward.

In the evenings, the children have first priority in the bathroom so that they can

have a shower/bath before bed.

Keep showers short and reasonable. We use rainwater from the tank so the water

needs to be conserved. When using the taps at the basin, they don’t need to be

turned on to full volume as this wastes water. Please use the exhaust (under the

light switch) when having a hot shower. It takes a couple of minutes to engage.

There is no need to turn the lights on during the day, or have both lights on at

once at night. Please use the bathmat provided so the floor doesn’t get

excessively wet. If water splashes on the bench from the basin, please wipe it up

rather than leave puddles on the bench. Please don’t leave razors in the bathroom

in case toddler finds them.

We all have days when we’re not as happy and cheery as normal and can be easily

irritated. And that’s okay. If you’re having a bad day just say so and we’ll

understand. Similarly, if one of us is in a bad mood for a short time, don’t take it

personally. Something that has absolutely nothing to do with you has probably

happened and we may be on edge for a little while. If you ever do have an issue

with something one of us has said or done then please, let’s discuss it early and

resolve it. Just as we will with you.

If there should come a time when you want to move on and continue your travels

please discuss it with us before making your forward plans. There are endless

stories of aupairs leaving with no notice or just walking out. The host family

community is very small and these stories travel great distances. If the situation

is not working out for you then take the mature approach and lets work out

something together. Whether that be leaving before planned or making changes

to how we do something here. If we don’t know we cant fix it.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

We recognise that you are travelling to the other side of the world to live with people

you’ve never met in a country you don’t know, with no friends or family here to support

you.

You recognise that we are inviting a foreigner, a stranger we’ve never met into our

home to look after our most precious children, to be alone with them and to be in

charge of the household and all our possessions while we are absent.

This is the reason we have created this reference book. An au pair needs to know

exactly what to expect and to make their decision fully informed with all the facts and

relevant details. Everything in this manual is important and is included for a reason.

Please read it thoroughly and feel free to ask any questions.

We ask you to acquaint yourself with the following points and please do not hesitate to

discuss if you have any questions or concerns.

We employ you to care for our children and to help keep order in the house. In

return we provide a safe place to live, your own room, meals and a steady income.

Whilst there are many factors in the relationship, the foundation of it from our

perspective is that you are here to make our lives easier. If you don’t then we’ve

no reason to host you.

We will treat you as an adult and will do our best to make you feel welcome as part

of our household. We expect that you will make every effort to follow our

instructions, be involved in our family and behave respectfully at all times.

Most au pairs are young but we do expect them to arrive as fully functioning adults

with basic life skills and common sense. An au pair must be an able and actively

contributing member of the household, not another child to be cared for. If you

are unable to perform your duties correctly and consistently without constant

support then we have no reason to continue to host you.

On-duty hours should be treated as with any other type of employment. This

means presenting yourself on-time, dressed appropriately and ready for duty

without supervision. This is not the time for Skype, facebook, instant messaging,

internet, texting, bathing or any other personal pursuits.

Off duty hours are your own time, but remember even then that you are not a

guest but a member of the household. You should always be prepared to assist with

the routine e.g. setting table for meals, after dinner clean-up, etc. A good au pair

should be looking for ways to help and not standing back waiting to be asked. Your

attitude in this regard more than anything will determine whether you fit in like a

family member.

Au Pairs are not to consume alcohol when on duty. If you drink while you are out

socialising then it is not our business but you are expected to be fit for duty the

following morning. Illegal drug use including marijuana is unacceptable at any time.

Intoxication while on duty, drug use at any time, drug possession at any time, are

grounds for immediate dismissal. We do not smoke and do not permit smoking

anywhere in the house or grounds.

Toddler is a little boy, and will treat you as an older friend or sister. His

friendship is genuine and does not turn on and off according to your hours on duty.

You should be responsive and kind to him at all times. When ‘on duty’ we expect

interactive engagement and not mere supervision. Your time with toddler is for

him and is not the time to be checking your phone, emails, facebook or instant

messaging.

As a member of the host family household you will be privy to many of the private

and personal affairs of the family. Any discussion of such things outside the home

such as with other au pairs or host families is a serious breach of trust. Likewise

gossip concerning other host families or au pairs is not appropriate in our home. If

at any time you become unhappy about any aspect of your responsibilities, meals,

living arrangements, the children or anything else then it is up to you to raise

these issues directly with us so they can be discussed and dealt with promptly.

Complaining to other au pairs, host families or online groups does not solve

anything and can only damage the relationship.

It is a requirement of the position that you obtain a Working Holiday Visa before

coming to Australia. This visa entitles you to stay in one job/au pair family for up

to 6 months. The Working Holiday Visa requires you to have AUD$5000 of your

own money. This is for your own security. We highly recommend that you adhere

to this condition so you are not in the situation of being financially dependent on

your host family and are able to enjoy and plan your time in Australia.

The term of your stay with us will be agreed upon prior to your arrival. However

we understand that this can change at any time and for any number of reasons. We

ask that you please discuss with us any changes to your length of stay as soon as

possible so that we can begin to make arrangements. In the event that either we

or you are unhappy and wish to terminate your stay prematurely, we will discuss

this openly and honestly. In extreme circumstances (e.g. severe loss of trust,

gross dereliction of duty, theft, negligence, child abuse) we reserve the right to

terminate your employment (including your accommodation) immediately without

notice.

For a total of approximately XX hours on duty, we provide $XXX flat rate per

week pocket money, paid directly in to your Australian bank account at the end of

the week’s work. In addition, your accommodation, meals and other benefits of

living with the host family (internet, use of appliances, consumables, etc) is valued

at $270 per week. The amount of pocket money is on par with other au pairs in

Australia with similar hours of work and duties.

In the event of our au pair becoming sick we will make other arrangements as

necessary to provide for the children’s care to enable you to recover. Where the

illness or medical condition is serious or prolonged we will consult with your family

in order to decide on an appropriate course of action. Please ensure your travel &

health insurance is appropriate for your needs and is up to date. In accordance

with the casual and short-term nature of an au pair arrangement, we do not offer

paid sick or holiday leave (including public holidays); however your meals and

accommodation (which form part of your benefit) will continue to be provided as

long as you remain our au pair.

It is a requirement that our au pair is vaccinated against whooping cough/pertussis

as you will be in direct contact with our babies. It may be necessary to have an

adult booster if it has been more than 5 years since you were vaccinated. We will

require a copy of your vaccination record. For the safety and protection of our

babies, this is non-negotiable.

Grounds for immediate dismissal with no notice include:

- Physical abuse of our children (e.g. smacking, kicking, hitting, biting)

- Theft

- Breach of confidentiality and/or privacy. Lying and dishonesty.

- Drug use or possession of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia

- Negligence and/or endangering the safety of our children, our house, ourselves.

AU PAIR TASKS

Change xxx’s nappy whenever it is wet or dirty. XXX needs to be kept dry or he

will get a rash. If the wet wipes leave him too wet, tissue his bum dry before

putting the powder on. In most cases its better to use powder rather than cream

unless a rash has already developed.

Keep his nose and face clean with a warm wet washer or wet wipe.

Play with him and be interested. He is a very curious little boy and wants to look

at everything, and it may not be what you’re trying to do with him at the time.

Talk to him about what he’s doing, name the things he is pointing to, ask him what

he wants. Let him lead you to what he wants.

If I’m busy with baby, prepare toddler’s morning tea/lunch/afternoon tea and

offer him a drink. Wash his hands before he eats. Wipe down his table afterward

and wash his plate. Clean his face and hands once he’s finished.

Dress toddler each morning. If he gets too wet or muddy he may need another

change during the day. Please make sure toddler wears a hat outside and put

sunscreen on his face, arms, neck and legs.

In most cases my husband or I will bath/shower the children before bedtime. If

for some reason you do it please dry him off with a big towel then moisturise them

with sorbolene or baby lotion. Dress them in a clean nappy and pyjamas.

Vacuum the floor and play mats at least every second day, sometimes it needs to

be done more than once a day. Check xxxx’s bedroom because he often tracks

grass and dirt in there. Empty the vacuum in to the big bin downstairs. The lounge

area and kitchen needs to be mopped at least once a week, although spills should

be wiped up as they happen. Use the mop with the orange head and use the floor

cleaner in the cupboard above the bin in the kitchen. The toilet should be mopped

using the steam mop at least every second day. The steam mop is only to be used

on the tiled areas and make sure there the water receptacle is full before turning

on. Both mop heads should be washed in the washing machine once a week.

I will do all our laundry and hang it out but if you see it is dry on the line please

bring it inside. There are some things that need to be hung inside out of the sun.

xxxx’s socks and swimmers can be put away straight away but all of his clothes are

ironed first. If you see something of xxx’s is exceptionally dirty i.e. mud, paint,

slime etc, it will need to soak in a washing solution before washing in the machine.

The kitchen benchtops, kitchen table and bathroom vanity basin should be wiped

clean whenever they’re wet or dirty. Please use the wipes in the green packet or

paper town and disinfectant spray (cupboard above the bin cupboard in the

kitchen).

The upstairs toilet does not need to be scrubbed but should have the toilet duck

used under the rim twice a week. Using the toilet duck bottle there is no need to

actually touch the toilet. It is not your job to remove any waste residue in the

toilet, anyone leaving ‘skids’ needs to clean their own mess. Please note; the toilet

uses bore water so the brown stains in the bottom are from water calcification,

not waste products. Please do not flush sanitary items/tampons or wet wipes down

the toilet. If the upstairs shower is looking grubby or there is mould in the

grouting just spray shower cleaner on the tiles when you’re in there. My husband

is responsible for the shower & toilet downstairs.

Toddler often leaves sticky hand prints on the glass doors and oven doors. It

doesn’t have to be done every day but at least once a week wipe them off using

glass cleaner and paper towel.

Clear away toys a couple of times a day. I try to only bring out one activity at a

time to minimize the mess as much as possible. It doesn’t have to be done while

he’s playing because as soon as he sees you put it away he will go and pull it out

again. It’s okay to wait until he’s busy with morning/afternoon tea or when he’s

having a nap. If he is doing messy play with paint, food, mud, beans it will need to

be cleaned up straight away before he tracks it through the rest of the house. I

try to do these activities outside or on the verandah when possible. And try to get

him to help you so he learns he has to pack up his own things.

If he is doing painting or messy play make sure he has on ‘play’ clothes, the ones

that already have paint stains on them. I don’t mind if he gets paint, mud and mess

all over him, as long as it’s not on new or good clothes.