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Advice for an au pair.

114 replies

Lucyinthesky14 · 09/06/2012 13:55

Hi mumsnet, i've been on so many websites seeking advice but alot of it isn't very useful and some can be quite mean. someone recommended this site to me before and i hope i can get some help. I am not a mum, but i am au pair living abroad and i would be so greatful for your help. I have been here for almost 2 months, when i came here everything was perfect but now things are starting to go a bit downhill and it doesn't seem so peachy. i dont know what to do or whether im overreacting.

The thing is i feel very uncomfortable around the dad. When his wife goes out he often asks me round to keep him company, to drink wine or to watch a movie. I went once and he was a bit strange with me, asking how things were with my boyfriend etc. and i have made a point of not going there alone since. He asks if i will go on a solo trip alone with him to Berlin, Which strangely enough his wife supports him with! When i got here i agreed to it, as i had said how much iwanted to go to berlin, and first thought that he was being friendly but now i wonder if there is an ulterior motive. His wife knows about this trip and him asking me round. i said i will be happy going to berlin alone, as i quite a confident, independant person, but he insists on going with me as he knows where to go etc....i dont know if his wife knows about all his invitations. He often sends me emails or skypes me when he goes away, asking questions sometimes to do with the children but sometimes just general chat. i try not to give him much cut, but as i said before sometimes you dont want to come across as unfriendly. The other day i had lotion on my shoulder and he was like, oh here let me get it for you, and rubbed it in! He gets emails when i update my facebook with anything and puts little things on his fb in english now, when he doesn't speak that language and neither do any of his friends. He also insisted on walking me back to my flat one evening i'd been out, and just stood at the door staring at me. i literally live a second away from their flat and wouldn't have needed to be accompanied back. he never does this when his wife is there. I generally feel uncomfortable and feel like he always wants to talk to me and be near me. He looks at me alot, and i dont know if his wife is oblivious to this or aware of it, either way she doesn't say or do anything, or doesn't see it as a problem. And the other day he told me i was being 'bitchy' and acted wrongly after he and his wife tried to persuade me to let a 17 year old boy stay in my flat who is going to be working with them. I don't think this is very acceptable as i wouldn't stay with a stranger back home, so i wouldn't do it here. I also thought it was rude the way he talked to me saying that. They had mentioned this man staying to me three times, even though i told them blatantly that i did not agree with it the first time. I felt a bit pressurised the third time they asked and he said that because i got upset, that i reacted badly and was 'bitching'. I am in my early twenties, and he is only 5 years older than me. I just want to go home now, but i dont know if im possibly over reacting or what? is this normal behaviour? Is he just being overley friendly? I wanted advice on this site as i know you will be honest with me. If it isn't right, how should i leave. should i give notice, or just go? please help!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Chandon · 12/06/2012 09:38

Hi Lucy.

You are not imagining things. This is a classic scenario, quite a few "older" men prey on younger women whose instinct is to "please" and "be polite" and "not cause offence" or a fuss.

I had a piano teacher who always put his hand on my shoulder when I played, his hand would always slide down towards my breast but never quite on it. I was 17, almost a "grown up". But I was not sure I was imagining things, did not want to cause a fuss, and would never have wanted to hurt his feelings! in the end I begged to be allowed to quit music lessons...and with hindsight, I can see so clearly that it was not right!

I had the same situation with my maths tutor, really nice man, friend of my dad. Always sat so close, putting a hand on my thigh or around my waist, looking at me in a certain way, never overstepping the mark in an obvious way, but I was ever so uncomfortable around these men!

Now, I blame the way girls are brought up to be polite and not cause a fuss. We should tell our daughters instead that if ever they feel uncomfortable, it is not THEM< it is the man! And they should speak up, or at the very least leave.

You never imagine these things, you don't.

Lucyinthesky14 · 12/06/2012 09:53

No not yet because i don't know which exact day i will be leaving. I'm sure i could get a flight on thursday though no problem and my boyfriend will pay for it if its too expensive. I have saved up enough money so i should be fine even if they chuck me out.

Yeah Chandon, you are right. It's not like it's anything completely obvious, but it's all these things that build up and you try to put it to the back of your head and pretend it's normal, but then you reach a point where you realise it isn't..Even if it is just friendliness it's making me uncomfortable and now i just want to go home. It's not a nice situation to be in.

OP posts:
Chandon · 12/06/2012 10:16

speaking as an "old" experienced woman of 40, i can tell you that a direct (small) challenge is often very effective, eg "Why are you touching me?!" or "I don't feel comfortable with that" or "I think that is a bit inappropriate".

Wish I'd know how simple it is, not much need for it now Wink, only people trying to squeeze my waist muffin top are the DC

Lucyinthesky14 · 12/06/2012 13:40

He has only touched me a couple of times ,and they always seem to be for a reason, never really a slight brush of his hand or that. It's just more his general demeanour that makes me feel uncomfortable. That he seems so intent on spending time with me, or looking over at me. and the things i mentioned in the post. So its hard to say anything as i suppose alot of them could just be passed as him being overly friendly or being socially inept and not knowing that he is crossing boundries. I am telling them i will be leaving tomorrow though.

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Sarcalogos · 12/06/2012 13:40

Lucy if you know for definate that you are leaving it doesn't really matter which day, book the thursday flight as it minimises your hotel costs if they do kick you out tonight.

Once you're home you won't be sorry that you didnt stick it out for another few days.

Sarcalogos · 12/06/2012 13:41

Don't forget that you don't have to give them the real reason you're leaving if you don't want to.

SoldeInvierno · 12/06/2012 14:08

if you book your flight now, pay for it and print your ticket, you'll feel much more relaxed. You will go into that conversation knowing that, no matter what they say, you have got a good plan, and you are sticking to it.

Lucyinthesky14 · 12/06/2012 22:04

Hi ladies, thought i'd let you know that i spoke to my bosses tonight about me leaving, and they have suprisingly taken it better than i thought. I just explained that i'm really homesick and can't handle being away from my boyfriend any longer. They' say that they've picked up on the vibe the last while and understand and they can't force me to stay. I'm leaving on Friday and my boyfriends maybe coming over to meet me before if he can get time off work :) Thank you all so much for your advice. Really has been so helpful and i am greatful for it! Feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders

OP posts:
catepilarr · 13/06/2012 00:38

well done, glad you are sorted!

Sarcalogos · 13/06/2012 00:49

Well done, definitely the right decision.

savoycabbage · 13/06/2012 04:17

That's great Lucy!

longjane · 13/06/2012 10:34

glad it is sorted

SoldeInvierno · 13/06/2012 20:09

Glad it is sorted. I hope you are more lucky next time.

maples · 13/06/2012 21:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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