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Original poster

New Au Pair expects to go to language class every day -

130 replies

starbucksaholic · 04/09/2008 14:04

Am I being unreasonable to say 'no way, once a week' - au pair now in tears (for second time in 2 days since she arrived) about this, not sure how much to stand my ground. Help?!

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annh · 04/09/2008 14:20

Did you speak about language classes before she arrived? Were you/she aware of how far away the college was and the arrangements which would have to be made in order to get to class? Is it actually feasible for her to go to classes once a week - i.e. is the language course only running on one day or is it several days which she needs to attend in order to be part of the course? IMO, au pairs should reasonably expect to attend language classes more than once a week, I think the norm is at least a couple of mornings each week. If you live too far from a language school, then she may need to move families.

jura · 04/09/2008 14:19

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Brangelina · 04/09/2008 14:18

You're supposed to allow time off each day expressly for language tuition. If it's impractical then you should have mentioned it before taking her on.

stellabgh · 04/09/2008 14:16

Um, I thought that's what au pairs did? I might be wrong but they are often here to study and do light housework/childcare to pay their way.
To be honest I don't think it's unreasonable of her to want to go to class each day, however not full time obviously. If you are too far away from the college then perhaps she would be better off finding someone nearer.

Original poster
starbucksaholic · 04/09/2008 14:08

Sorry - missed out this bit - au pair expects to attend language class every day. This is not going to happen, we live too far from the college for a start, public transport is limited, and I can't risk her not being there for the school bus each day for my 7 and 8 year olds because she missed a connection. Am I being unreasonable?

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