I'm currently working for family in a culture different from my own. This is my first time as an Au pair and their first time hosting. It's been about a month a half. I have travelled a lot in my short life and consider myself to be tough when it comes to these types of things, but I feel like this getting to be too much.
The family originally said I would help with "some cooking and cleaning" but getting here I soon realize they want me to make 3 meals per day and mop and clean all of the furniture (also daily). Not so bad I guess. But their cuisine is very different than my country's and when I make an attempt they tell me it's bad. When I make my country's food it's also bad.
They only have one daughter but she does not speak any English and does not care to learn. Yet I am expected to give her 2 full lessons each day. But she can't understand? She also is very spoiled and throws tantrums multiple times per day. But most kids throw trantrums right?
The mom has told me multiple times that I am not beautiful. I've never had self esteem issues but I can't imagine how someone would handle this if they did! I had to go to the hospital at one point (which they were very helpful with thankfully) but afterwards they told me I was a baby for being scared, and their 5 year old was better than me. They have also already changed the day of the month I get paid from our original agreement (from 1st of the month to the 15th) but it's not that big of a deal so I said okay.
I could go on but I feel like this is already a lot... Am I just homesick? I've dealt with culture shock and host families numerous times before but I've never felt targeted so much like this.
When do I stop using cultural differences as an excuse?
I feel like if I try talking with them I will just offend them and make things worse for myself.