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Original poster

Au Pair - not sure how to tackle our new girl

27 replies

TennisFan · 24/02/2010 10:52

Hi, I have had lots of advice on here about recruiting and finding our first au pair who has been with us for just over 2 weeks.
The first 2 weeks she played with my DD and did lots of creative stuff, art and things which my DD loves after school.

This week, both days when I got home at 5pm, she was lying on the sofa on her computer and my DD was watching TV.

It is resonable to ask her to play with DD isn't it?

I did go through typical duties and days - but I think I may have been too nice and now need to speak to her which I really hate having to do.

She is 24, and speaks really good english so can't use this as an excuse.

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andagain · 24/02/2010 11:00

Of course it is reasonable to ask her to play with DD. I would be really annoyed if I got home and found my DD watching tv!

You have to talk to her, nicely but soon. I am talking from personal experience. We have a live-in nanny who started slacking and I was avoiding talking to her for fear of upsetting her, but my resentment grew as I thought she was taking advantage as we are so undemanding. In the end I got myself so wound up about it that I thought I was going to explode if nothing is said.

And you know what, I spoke to her and she was absolutely fine, took it all on board and it is great. She is only 21 and I guess she just didn't realise she was doing it.

My advice is start by saying how much your DD likes her (if that is the case obviously) and what she is good at and just say you prefer your DD playing and doing/making things rather than watching TV.

Bonsoir · 24/02/2010 10:57

How much sole time does your au pair have with your DD?

Do they have activities/meet ups with other au pairs/nannies?

TBH, a 24 year old is going to get a bit bored playing with a little girl all the time on her own, and vice versa - they both need company of their own age!

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