Daughter going to be an au pair. Advice!

[smellllycat]

Hi, so my 18 year old daughter is going to be an au pair in Rome. I'm crushed she's leaving me but obviously it's an amazing opportunity. I've not really travelled much as a grown up so even things like luggage allowance on flights has all been new to me! I'm reading up on all stuff I need to arrange for her stay and it's bringing up things I wouldn't even have thought about - like special au pair insurance for example. I also realised that I should have my own passport renewed in case there is an emergency (all costing money that I don't have 😭) Anyway sorry for waffling, I basically just wondered if anyone has been an au pair or had their child go off and be one and can offer any advice, something I may have overlooked or even something really obvious! Any input is welcome, it's less than 3 weeks away now and I've entered panic mode!

No specific advice on your questions but there are some crazy drivers in Italy so I would warn her to be extra careful around road safety. What an adventure!

Get her to apply for a EHIC card (European Health Insurance) (note only valid until end of the year due to brexit)

Tell her to follow her gut and have a safety net - e.g. if she feels unsafe, does she have a credit card so she can leave.

I’d insist on a Face time or a call with the family first if it was me. I realise some will scoff at that but I’m afraid I’d insist on it. But yes also passport renewed but with the correct family it could be a great experience. Does she speak much of the language?

Thanks! Eek, my friend was warning me about Italian men yesterday (although that's probably a bit sweeping) so I'll have to warn her about drivers too. The family did say there is quite a busy road by the school. Yes, we have the European health card already, they say it may be able to be used passed December but that's uncertain. I have had face time with the parents. They seem really nice, tried to alleviate any of my concerns - obviously my daughter has had many FaceTime chats with them and with the kids, who seem adorable! She's also spoken to their previous au pairs which is good. They all keep in contact still and go there for holidays which I see as a good sign.

FAQs she doesn't speak a lot of Italian but is learning. The family speak English really well though including the children.

My DC are little still so I don't have the parents perspective but, as someone who went overseas age 18, can I suggest that you let HER sort as much of it out as possible? I went travelling with another girl whose parents did all of the prep for her and when we were away it became clear she was absolutely useless at doing anything for herself. I'm really grateful that my parents made me sort myself out as it meant I had the skills to do so once I was there.

That’s sounds good and also sounds as though she has a great family to work for, very exciting for her!

Let her know she shouldn't put up with being treated like rubbish by her employers (bitter voice of experience here). Make sure she knows exactly what the job entails and she gets her proper time off.