When hosting an Au Pair in Belgium, there are several important tips and tricks that will ensure that both the family and the Au Pair have a positive and successful experience.
In summary:
- Make sure there are clear agreements in a contract
- Be patient and supportive during the induction period.
- Provide a comfortable living space and respect his or her privacy.
- Support the Au Pair in language and cultural integration.
- Maintain an open line of communication and regular check-ins.
- Give him or her the freedom and space to build her own social life.
Here are some useful guidelines based on personal experience:
1. Make clear agreements
- Written contract: Make sure you draw up a clear contract in which the agreements on working hours, responsibilities, pocket money, free time and holidays are clearly laid down. This prevents misunderstandings and provides a clear framework for both parties.
- Clear communication: Be transparent about expectations. Discuss what you expect from the Au Pair in terms of childcare, household chores and other responsibilities.
2. Provide a good introduction
- Welcome: Give your Au Pair a warm welcome. Make sure she feels at home right away, which is important for her integration and well-being.
- Introduce family and environment: Let her get to know the family and the environment. This helps her to adapt more quickly to the new situation and facilitates integration.
3. Support her in language and cultural integration
- Language support: Help the Au Pair learn the local language (Dutch or French). Offer her the opportunity to follow language courses or practice conversations daily. Language skills help not only in daily life, but also in her communication with the children.
- Cultural Exchange: Encourage the Au Pair to participate in cultural activities, such as local events, festivals or exploring the city. This will make the experience much richer for her.
4. Respect her work and rest times
- Maximum working hours: Respect the legal limits of a maximum of 20 hours per week of work and 1 day off per week. Plan working hours that fit her schedule and make sure she has enough time to relax and maintain her social life outside the family.
- Vacation: Give the Au Pair the right to 2 weeks vacation per year. This gives her the opportunity to go back home or to relax for a while.
5. Provide a comfortable living space
- Private room: Make sure the Au Pair has a comfortable, private room where she can retreat and relax. Respect her need for privacy.
- Access to Amenities: Make sure the Au Pair has access to the internet, a telephone, and any other amenities that will make her stay enjoyable.
6. Provides an open communication channel
- Regular check-ins: Schedule weekly or monthly calls to check in on how things are going. This provides room for feedback and prevents small issues from escalating into larger tensions.
- Open to Problems: Encourage the Au Pair to discuss any concerns or issues right away, whether they are work-related, personal issues, or something else.
7. Be flexible and patient
- Time for adjustment: Be patient during the first weeks, as it can be a big transition for the Au Pair. She has to adapt not only to the new environment, but also to family life and work rhythm.
- Guidance with tasks: In the first few weeks, it is important to get her settled in well so she does not feel overwhelmed. Give clear instructions on daily tasks and family routines.
- Show understanding: Realize that Au Pairs often have little experience in childcare and household tasks. Be prepared to guide and assist her where necessary.
9. Be clear about expectations and boundaries
- House rules and boundaries: Make sure the Au Pair knows what the house rules are (e.g. smoking, guests, food, cleaning, etc.). Clear boundaries help prevent misunderstandings and make cooperation easier.
- Behavioral expectations: Agree on how to deal with behavioral problems of the children, and provide the Au Pair with the necessary tools to deal with different situations.
10. Give him/her the space to be socially active
- Support social activities: Encourage the au pair to make good use of her free time and to build social contacts. This helps her or him to feel less isolated and makes her stay more pleasant.
- Explore the area: If the au pair is interested, offer to help her explore the city or area. Getting to know the area can help her feel at home more quickly.
11. Evaluate the situation regularly
- Feedback moments: Schedule regular evaluation meetings to discuss how things are going for both the Au Pair and the family. This helps to identify problems early and make adjustments where necessary.
- Flexibility in agreements: If changes are needed over time in working hours, holidays or other conditions, ensure clear communication and revise the contract if necessary.
12. Be a good host or hostess
- Show appreciation: Show the Au Pair regularly that you appreciate her presence. This can be done by a simple “thank you” or by inviting her to family activities, for example.
- Friendly atmosphere: Make sure the Au Pair feels part of the family. This can be done by eating together, doing activities or just spending time with her.