Negative reaction from 'friends' regarding having an Au Pair

[midlifehope]

We have hired a nice Au Pair from Italy for the month of August to help out with some childcare so I can get some work done over the holidays.

It's worked out ok - with me putting in a lot of effort to settle her, take her places etc. as we live in a rural spot and she can't drive as insurance astronomical. It is not an area where there are many other Au Pairs.Most people rely on various forms of childcare though.

Anyway, some people have been positive, but some of the people I thought were 'friends' have avoided me since she arrived. They've left me out of group activities, And when I have seen them, have given me odd looks, or made comments like:

"Having an au pair is lazy"
"Well you're working at home so you are managing to fit things around the kids" (yeah right, with an 11 mo and a 4 yo).

I can't believe this inverse snobbery. We are not at all rich, but for 1 month this seemed like a good solution and it has been. Why are some 'friends' acting so 'arsey'??

OP, its a shame your friends are being awkward. Please do keep offering her the chance to come out with you, no matter what they say - part of the au pair deal is that they get paid less than minimum wage, but are treated as part of the family and get to experience UK culture. Some people just treat them as underpaid nannies, whereas decent au pair families like you invite them on family trips as part of the package.

Loving the idea of a holiday au pair. Could you arrange condensed hours? I.e. They do childcare 3 days a week for full days and then have 4 off. Then dh and I could take one day off a week and we have the summer covered!

yes sorenipples, I'm sure that would suit some au pairs

Summer au pair is a great idea. If I ever end up in the employment I was in pre-child I might consider it. Bollocks to holdmecloser et al. For a young person to gain experience, earn a bit of money and have lodge and board for a few months, what's the problem ? Nothing wrong with it, build a work ethic, learn about other lifestyles and cultures. I'd be happy for my child to au pair, so should you be.

Well, she has now left . She left a lovely card saying how she felt like our house was home, thanks for being so nice and was sad to say goodbye. So I think we did right by her, thankfully. It will be a period of adjustment for us all for a few days now!