Become an Au Pair in New Zealand!
Are you a responsible, outgoing, mature and adventurous young adult who loves children? If so - we would love to hear from you! For a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a great family in the most beautiful country in the world apply online today. It's free! As an Au Pair you will be able to contribute significantly to the lives of children, live abroad in stunning (and safe) New Zealand whilst perfecting your English skills.
"The great thing about being an Au Pair in New Zealand - is that you get to see New Zealand and actually live here! It is an amazing country and the people are so kind and lovely. The only bad thing about being an Au Pair is that it only lasts a year! I am already trying to find a way to stay longer!"
- Emil (Auckland, NZ)
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Do you want to read more about our Au Pairs that are in New Zealand right now?
Please click HERE
General Guidelines
In brief, please remember the following
- Child safety is most important - be vigilant
- Think about your language and what is appropriate/inappropriate
- You are a role model to the children - they will do as you do
- Show patience towards the children and be interested in what they do
- Au Pair Link has a strict no smoking policy
Always remain safety conscious, the children are your first priority and you need to know where they are and what they are doing at all times. Be aware of potentially hazardous situations such as leaving out laundry powder, overdosing child medication or placing knives in the dishwasher the wrong way around.
Your primary duty is to take care of the children. Much of your day will be spent playing, taking them to activities, organising events, reading and spending enjoyable time together. Always remember that children are very impressionable. We ask you to not use foul language in front of the children (whatever the language). Regardless of how your host parents speak to the children you will always remain professional and never use language that may offend or upset the children or parents.
As an Au Pair you are a role model. Your children will mimic what you do- not always what you say. This includes every day things such as looking over the road before crossing, approaching people in a friendly manner, speaking to others with respect and maintaining an appropriate diet.
It is important for you to show patience with your children as an Au Pair. If you have the ability to laugh and maintain calm your relationship with the child/children you are caring for will be more constructive and peaceful.
Keep in mind that you are a stranger to the children when you first arrive. However, if you are friendly and take an interest in what they do, you will quickly build a solid relationship with them. If the child is old enough it may be possible for you to speak with them before you arrive - you can also write them a letter to tell them a bit more about yourself before you get there.
Please note
It is imperative that no Au Pair smokes while in the presence of the children or on their host family's property. Failure to comply with this policy is a direct violation of the program and you may face immediate eviction from the program. New Zealand is a "smoke free" country in restaurants and bars - if you are a smoker this is a good opportunity for you to stop. |
Being an Au Pair is one of the most fulfilling jobs that you can have. You will be a large influence in the social and emotional development of a child (or children) - an absolute privilege. Children are one of the greatest joys in life and we hope that you will take every opportunity to get to know your "little ones" better!
Childcare duties:
- Waking the children in the morning and dressing/helping them to get dressed
- Bathing/showering them in accordance with the host family's guidelines
- Preparing meals for the children (such as breakfast, packed lunches and dinner)
- Helping the children to take care of their belongings and tidy their rooms. As well as cleaning up in the kitchen after a meal or organising the playroom
- Taking the child to school and other activities
- Playing, reading, encouraging/helping them to do their homework as well as enforcing family rules (such as limited TV watching, bedtimes etc)
- Washing the child's clothes and organising their closet throughout the working week.
Social Life
Being an Au Pair with Au Pair Link means that you will get the chance to meet other Au Pairs in your area and interact. This is a great opportunity for you to share ideas, experiences and advice.
It is also important for you to try to make local friends, don't be afraid to talk to people, ask for directions or advice on what to see and do. Kiwi's are renowned the world over for being friendly and hospitable. Also make sure you find time to properly explore the country. Across the North and South Island New Zealand has some of the most beautiful, majestic and varied landscape - approximately 10% of New Zealand's entire land area has been awarded World Heritage status! For a sneak peak of what New Zealand has to offer visit http://www.newzealand.com/travel or rent The Lord of the Rings!
New Zealand is a very safe country - where it is not uncommon for people to leave their homes and cars unlocked! However, just because New Zealand appears to be safe it does not mean that crime does not occur here! Be careful travelling alone and do not hitchhike. Ask your host family for advice on the best way to travel and notify them of where you are going (and with whom).
Before bringing friends over to your host family's home always make sure that you receive verbal consent from your host parents. Please respect that it is their home and that sometimes they may not want people visiting.
Housework
Your general responsibilities include light housework. However, remember that you are not a housekeeper! Your duties can include washing the children's clothes (and your own), taking care of the children's room (taking away toys, dusting, vacuuming etc). You may also be required to do some light cooking for the children. General areas in the house such as the kitchen, lounge, bathroom etc you will keep tidy as per your family guidelines. Naturally, you will keep your own room and bathroom tidy.
Family Life
As an Au Pair you will effectively have a second family. In any family it is important for you to be involved in family life and work through problems together. Make sure you work on getting to know your host parents just as well as the children - this will help ensure a mature and trusting relationship is established with your host family.
We consider it essential for you to have private time. This time should be "just about you" and outside the family home or in your own room. You may chose to read a book, meet a friend or go shopping. Whatever you do - remember that you need time by yourself! You need time to yourself and so does your host family. If your host family asks for some private time, please do not see this as a dismissal or rejection.
Lastly, it is very important that you discuss the disciplinary actions your host family take with their children when you first arrive.
Schedule
MOCK SCHEDULE
7 am - 8 am |
Waking children, organising clothes & breakfast. |
8 am - 8.30 am |
Taking children to school. |
8.30 am - 2 pm |
Free time for the Au Pair, possibly take language class, meet friends or explore! |
2pm - 6 pm |
Pick up children from school. Help them with homework and/or play with them and organise fun games. Make sure that the children's laundry is done & organise dinner. After dinner; make sure that the kitchen is tidy. |
6pm - |
Parents are home and the Au Pair has free time. |
Prior to arrival we will have discussed your working hours with you and your family. Upon arrival these times will be further discussed with you and explained. Please be flexible and considerate of your family's needs e.g. try to plan in advance (with your host parents) for any events that you have in the foreseeable future.
Your host parents may have a curfew for you. We ask you to respect this curfew as it is put in place to protect you and the children that you are caring for. In general, your host parents will not place too many restrictions on your social life. However, they are within their rights to enforce a curfew particularly if you are working the next day. The reason is that their children will be in your care and if your abilities are below adequate then that could place the wellbeing of their children in jeopardy.
We encourage you to conduct all your personal matters during your free time e.g. studying, letter writing, reading, internet use, TV watching etc. Always remember that your primary task is to look after the children.
Homesickness
Being homesick is completely normal (and often only temporary) - it is normal to miss your family and friends. However, remember that this is a once in a lifetime experience and remain focussed on the positives! Enjoy the year together with your "second" family and make new friends. Many Au Pairs find that they mature greatly during the year away and they get a new sense of self.
When you feel homesick there are a few tools that you can use to overcome the feeling:
- Don't call your family at home - Instead contact another Au Pair here, speak to your family or call your Counsellor.
- Find something to occupy yourself with when you become homesick! Join a gym, take a run, go for a walk or plan an exciting trip away.
- Write a letter to yourself or keep a diary.
Changing families
Some agencies place Au Pairs with families that do not match their needs or are not suitable. At Au Pair Link we aim to eliminate this problem by placing you with the right family first time! Therefore, it is very important that you spend time completing the application form accurately so we can better identify host families that suit your needs.
If you are having a problem with your host family, do not hesitate to talk with them about it. If you feel uncomfortable speaking with them, and would like to involve your Counsellor, that is not a problem. We are happy to give you help and advice on any issues concerning your family.
If you are unable to sort through the problems with your host family we will aim to place you with a new family within a reasonable timeframe (this is very much a last resort).
There is no such thing as a perfect match, good relationships and friendships require continual work and positive input. This is what we ask of our host parents and Au Pairs - if you keep working together positively then you will be able to find a harmony in your relationship.
Click here to register and become an Au Pair today!
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