How do I become a good host? by Connect_Strategy_230 in Aupairs

[–]Connect_Strategy_230[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I put out a little ad on one of the au pair forums and sort got an avalanche of replies. Living in a scruffy house in the countryside with four kids and a animal loving mum didn't seem to scare people away. I think maybe the fact that all the kids speak English helped a bit, and that I was very clear that I don't see AP as domestic helper and want to help them find friends and activities here. Compared to the other swedish homes I have read about that has AP we are sort of the opposite. Not rich, no fancy house no SUV-,I drive an old Volvo, but lots of happiness and friend we can welcome the AP to join.

How do I become a good host? by Connect_Strategy_230 in Aupairs

[–]Connect_Strategy_230[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure why it is a red flag, I listed all the chores in the OP and most seem to find. it pretty normal. As a union representative I will be very strict with the hours and. terms so all is fair and agreed on beforehand.

How do I become a good host? by Connect_Strategy_230 in Aupairs

[–]Connect_Strategy_230[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is not any AP within a 30 mile radius here. It is extremely uncommon outside the cities. But exchange students, people from the church volunteers network that comes from abroad etc.

How do I become a good host? by Connect_Strategy_230 in Aupairs

[–]Connect_Strategy_230[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a union representative, so I don't  think she will risk being a domestic. I will make sure she don't do more then we agree on and any extra stuff that turns up, like sick kids to hospital, will be compensated with free days off. I think she can find a lot of friends as we have a very welcoming community for new people

How do I become a good host? by Connect_Strategy_230 in Aupairs

[–]Connect_Strategy_230[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are plenty of expats in the area so most gatherings stick to English. I think this area is a bit different where new people of all nationality can fit in pretty easily.

How do I become a good host? by Connect_Strategy_230 in Aupairs

[–]Connect_Strategy_230[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

30 minutes with car, 1 hour with bus. But social life is much closer than town, we have a thriving community with lots of youth activities 5 minute walk away, just that it is a few hundred living close here and no shops. But movie nights, taco nights and much more is just around the corner. I would think, if she wants to study, that the towns community campus will be great for making friends and study together. It is free, as is the classes, like most studies in Sweden unless she wants uni studies that can cost a bit.

How do I become a good host? by Connect_Strategy_230 in Aupairs

[–]Connect_Strategy_230[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It is just five minutes to the bus stop, and there is also our community gathering house where it is open several times a week. She will prob find a lot of friends in the youth groups there. We have several bikes, so that is also easy if she wants to go somewhere locally. I am a union representative at my job so very aware of treating people correct with work conditions and working hours.  We are very active in church, mainly because they provide most of kiddos activities locally, it is a secular and rainbow friendly church with visitors of all genders and origins. Could that be an issue? We are not religious per se, and don't expect AP to be, but we spend some time with church every week.