I have had my new auapair for nearly 3 weeks and after lots of consideration I really don't want her to stay.
She's a nice enough girl but her english is poor. I was assured after interviewing her on the phone that it was reasonable but it isn't. Her understanding is poor and although it is getting better I do not feel that I can leave her with the children and I simply do not have the time to wait till it gets better. I do not expect an aupair to have fluent english but I do need a basic level of understanding and comprehension. She barely speaks to them, mostly I suspect because of the language but I don't think that she is keen on small children, she is very awkward with them and I am uncomfortable with the way she does speak to them on the odd occasion that she shows any interest. She shouts and says no a lot even when I demonstrate a better way of doing things.
I spoke to her the other day about this and she is making an effort but I do not have a good vibe and feel that I still need to make alternative arrangements on the days I need childcare help.
She is quite willing and is very pleasant but the real lack of english and the fact that she seems totally unbothered by the children is an issue for me. She is my 3rd aupair so I am not coming into this blind and do not have unrealistic expectations of what I expect her to do. I simply don't feel that I can leave my kids with her and I am not talking all day, I am talking about her doing the school pick up every couple of weeks and entertaining them till I get home, no more than 2 hours later or watching them in half term for a couple of hours before they go on a playdate.