aupairs time off

[friendlyedjit]

Wondered what you all did at weekends with your au pairs.
I realise that this is " their time" but if they are in the house during the weekend, joining in for meals, would it be much to expect all hands to the deck?
This is what usually happens in the families I know. Everyone chipping in to help clear table etc.
This is what we do during the week, we never leave her with all the clearing up. I do the cooking, and there will be an occasional pot ( as wash as go along).. which I have ended up washing. I run round like a blue arsed fly and she sits and eats during the week, but she does lift the odd plate and place it in the dishwasher.

I'm beginning to feel like a whinging wreck maybe the au pair thing isn't for us

Hi friendly, we're lucky in that our au pair has a boyfriend and doesn't want to hang around with us at weekends, although she'd be welcome. During the week she's responsible for our 3 dc's after school, and will clear up after their supper.

I've had 3 different au pairs, and find the best kind is one with her own friends and social life. I guess it depends where you live, how easy it is for her to socialise, also whether you pay her enough to go out with her friends.

There are so many variables, but it's definitely worked for us. Thinking of it, for a late teen/early twenties girl, eating as a family might not be what she wants, all ours have preferred not to eat with us and to control their own menus.

Good luck.

sorry curious cat- I must have pressed the return twice and have done this thread twice- so wasn't ignoring you.
Thanks and hopefully all sems to have improved slightly...watch this space. i'll be back moaning if not!