Our au pair has been with us for a month. We haven't gelled with her especially well and there have been a few niggles. However, our last au pair was our best by far, became part of the family, and we felt things were coloured by that and wanted to give things time to settle. I should say that never, at any point, have we had any concerns about her driving. I would never compromise on that. And our DC (10 and 12) haven't said anything either.
Driving is an essential part of the role. Not long distances, usually 10-15 minutes max. With it being half term, she offered to drive my eldest to a theme park place about 30 minutes away on local roads.
On the way back, so no children in the car fortunately, she was in an accident. Three cars involved, police, fire and ambulance called. One car had to have the roof cut off. Fortunately, no-one seriously injured and no hospital admissions.
It looks almost certainly as if it was our au pairs fault. She has said as much and traffic officer at the scene implied it in conversation with my dad (who was closest and so able to go to the scene). In fact, careless driving is a serious possibility. DC have since told me that her driving today was really bad and they nearly had an accident en route to the drop off. Whilst there may be some exaggeration after the event, there is clearly truth in what she says.
I am really struggling to unpick it all and decide what to do. I'm obviously making sure au pair is okay (she is physically) and telling her to rest, making her meals etc. However, I am furious. There is no way she can continue with us now - I can't let her drive my children or their friends again. Our car is a right off and we can't afford another one. I have no idea how we will manage with only one car. And I have no childcare. Really I want to send her home as I can't see any way of salvaging this - not least because safety is utterly non-negotiable.
WWYD?
And for those who want to flame me for using an au pair, can I clarify that I pay above average, give them plenty of time off, use of a car (ironically), have DC who are fairly self-sufficient at home and I always go for someone 22 or over, so not a homesick teenager.