is it me or are au pairs thin on the ground? Where can I find one? Help!!

[kittywise]

Ok I've tried great au pair and gumtree. I've had no luck.

Please please can you let me know of any other online peeps. I don't want to pay agency fees, actually I can't afford to .
From sunday I'll be on me tod with 6 kiddies and I'm bricking it

No help for you Kitty other than to say I'm in exactly the same position.
Sorry

perhaps they'll all come out when the weather gets warmer

Where are you Kitty?

brighton, just outside, 10 mins

Try www.aupair-world.net

snap kitty - tbh anymore than 2 kids and they get scared - can't you hide some of them

oh Lordy I'll try

Have you tried the new /// au //// pair (take out the slashes) website? I think you could put a profile up and say that you haven't got current membership but are considering taking it out in a week or two depending on the response. If some good candidates add you to their Favourites list then you can decide if it's worth your while taking out membership.

I agree with Mrsrecycle, as far as they're concerned you've got too many kids. I've "hidden" 2 of mine - one no longer living at home and "15 year old, very independent and at boarding school for some of the week, studying hard for exams". How old are your 6?

9 yrs to 11 months. The thing is that an au pair would not be looking after them all on her own, just the three youngest ones for say an hour or so if I needed to pop out.

I have said that in the ad but I think you're right all they think is "6 kids agh , no way" and don't look further.
Well there's got to be somebody hasn't there?

how's the search going kitty? Au Pair world seems to be turning up a lot more applicants this past couple of days - like buses eh? There is even an AP who is from a family of 11 kids..

Oh I'm getting dribs and drabs. The problem is i'm so bloody rushed of my feet looking after the kids and house that I haven't had time to sit down and go through all the lists, I've probably missed a few. I've got a possibility but my gut reaction says to wait, I think you should go with your gut instinct?
I've got a woman coming tomorrow who can hopefully help with the kids and house on a life out basis for a while until i find someone suitable.
Thanks for asking.
have you had any luck?
I guess more and more will come as we get into spring/summer?

kittywise If you need a school summer hols au pair, I have been writing to one who sounds really lovely. If you CAT me, I can take your details i.e. basic info and e-mail address and e-mail them to her. She has already said that this would be okay by her as I've said that I know people also looking for au pairs. I could tell you about her first if you like but I'd rather do it by e-mail. I can CAT you if you aren't paid up for it, too. If I disappear, it's because I'm going away on the w/e and between hols and work I won't be around much for 3 wks.

simply Thank you so much simply for your lovely thoughts and kind offer BUT I need someone NOW

No problem kittywise. I hope you find someone soon.

i found it difficult getting an au-pair as i have 6 kids as well

i had one from australia she was 17 and fantastic wish she hadn't wanted to go back, but she did to uni

had 2 since then, 1 lasted 2 days 1 a week!!!

finding it ok without 1 now but will need 1 in the summer hols!

update....Finger's crossed I have an AP (17 as well!) on the horizon who might be joining us (but you know how things change from one day to the next). The only problem is I won't need her for the summer hols so I could see if she was interested in coming to you itfcbabe.

Anyone else whose interested, thanks to dh (he has really helped in the current AP search - never though he had it in him) I've redefined my search/question process on Au Pair World and, as a result, seem to be getting a few more applicants.

Firstly, I ask them if they are happy with the pocket money - explaining the good points of family and the benefits. If I receive a reply, these are the questions I ask them...

Why do you want to be an Au Pair?
Why London?
Do you know anyone else in London?
What good and bad behaviour have you experienced from children that you have looked after?
What activities do you plan to do if you were to be our Au pair, as you will have lots of time free?
Do you have the funds for your flight to the UK?
What food do you like?
What food do you not like/eat?
How has your health been in the past year?
What interested you in our family?

The reply rate, so far has been about 80% - better than the 10% before.

oh and she comes from a family of 5 kids so is used to big and busy families...

Morning Ladiees
Just wanted to say get onto Au Pair world now if you're looking for an AP. Since yesterday I've had about 20 applicants whereas I had hardly any before. Am talking to one at the mo, so fingers crossed
Good luck Mrs R

Good luck ingles as well - I had noticed an influx as well.

Simply and Mrs Recycle I am interested in both of your details of helpers. If you could send then to me I would be very grateful.

Can't belive you all found them whilst I was away on hols! Bet you've snapped up all the great ones

Am going to have a major AP recruitment drive this week.

Hi Marmaduke...
Did you have a good holiday?
I've kept my eye out for you,...not been much in the way of coutry suitable I'm afraid...
Drop me a line
X

Hi Ingles,

Fab thanks, some really warm days and fun outings.

Came home with 3 baby rabbits (as DD's died whilst we were away) and no chickens but may have to make some, ahem, adjustments to my chicken quarters (ohh er, by which I mean coop not oven ready portions) before getting the inhabitants.

Will drop you a line once I've caught up a bit.

Hope all well
x