My second (or is it third cousin) has asked my dad if we can help find an aupair to help her when her third child arrives.
If I were 20(plus) years younger, then this would have been a dream year out. I've been to the place where they live for a family reunion: there was a (large) marquee in the grounds and some of the relatives were camping in the rest of the grounds. (At the time it was my cousin's parents' house, but her mum died a few year's ago, so I think her dad and they have swapped houses). Dh, ds and I stayed in their nearby beach house. The whole extended family is really nice - and doesn't want for a penny or two
I've pasted her description of what the job will entail below. I've anonymised it (using Mumsnet acronyms). The rest of it is all her words!
"our young familiy (ds(4) and dd(2) is living near the German/Danish border.
A lot of time in our daily live takes place outside. Which means in the garden, on the shore or in the near forrest.
My older sister and her family (mother, father an three daughters 14,12 and 8 years old)is living close to our house on a little farm with horses, 3 pigs, 3 cows, a dog and a cat. There are paddogs, ponds and forrest around the farm.
Dh works quite a lot as General Manager in the nearby town. Ds is a sweet,smart limits testing little boy. He is visiting the ?kindergarden? for more than one year from 08:30 until 12:00 am. Dd is a happy equalized girl, she is easy to handle and likes to play outside the house.
I?m organizing the family and we are happy to expect our third child end of May 2008. Before the baby is born, I would like to have somebody in the family ? for instance you ? who is already well known by ds and dd at that time. The children should not only love you, they both should be able to build up confidence to the new person in the house. As their mother I want to be sure, that ds and dd do not feel to be aside, when the baby is born.
We look forward to have a little bit of a foreign world in the house and also a ?grown-up daughter? ready to help. You should feel like being at home. We don?t need a cleaning woman, such a pearl we
have already. If you have fun in cooking, we would be glad about it.
An own room with WC and shower is waiting for you. Even an internet-connection is ready to be used.
We are a non-smoker-familiy and you will understand, that we would like to have a non-smoking- aupairgirl. If you already have a driver?s licence it would be very usefull. You could drive for some
pick-ups, as for example bringing one of the children to the kindergarden, to sport activities or to friends near by.
Our family likes to travel and you are supposed to come with us. During the season, we love to sail. Near our house you will find 2 Kajaks and a little sailboot. Of course you are allowed to use them, if you are interested.
Just to make sure, that the conversation is without any problems, we assume English as the first language. Dh speaks English, myself have to practice my schoolenglish and both speak a little French. Last summer, ds learned from Lyn an aupairgirl from the U.S. at my sister?s place four words in English and he is very proud of his knowledge.
Of course you can join courses in German. Our next bigger town (a 30 min. drive by bus), has an university and adult evening classes.
We pay you the usual aupair-pocketmoney and in addition to it health insurance and language courses. All other items should be according to the aupair-regulations.
When would you like to come? We appreciate to have you as soon, as possible. We expect, that you stay with us for one year.
Two kids are waiting for you. They are looking forward to make their experience and they also will be glad to learn from your ideas while playing with little children."
Is anyone interested or know of anyone who might be? The problem I see is the timing: they are wanting someone as soon as possible for about a year - but that wouldn't fit most "gap" year students. If you are interested, or know someone who might be suitable, CAT me. I'd prefer contact from people who are "known" Mumsnetters, as I'd feel uncomfortable passing on details of "strangers"