FinallyBoughtDVC
<font color=blue>That reminds me of the first time
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2005
We have an au pair and she travels with us. She does lots of things I don't like to do (playdates - sorry - I find playdates tedious and boring, certain crafts, certain sports, etc.). I love my kids - but I don't love everything they do nor do I need to smother them and spend every blasted second with them to prove my love. That may work for other parents - doesn't work for me.
We set a schedule of when we expect our au pair to help us with the kids (they're older now - so she is more of a ride companion) and when she has time on her own.
Also, my three children are each 5 years apart (my oldest was 10 when I had my youngest)- if we didn't have an extra pair of hands with us, my oldest wouldn't have had a life or any great one on one experiences with his parents.
If that makes me a crappy parent - so be it. I couldn't care less what anyone, other than my dh and my children think.
The most important thing is to set a clear schedule and a clear list of expected duties, what you will pay, expected costs of things she will have to pay for, etc. Don't let there be any surprises, because that leads to hurt feelings.
Have fun!!!
We set a schedule of when we expect our au pair to help us with the kids (they're older now - so she is more of a ride companion) and when she has time on her own.
Also, my three children are each 5 years apart (my oldest was 10 when I had my youngest)- if we didn't have an extra pair of hands with us, my oldest wouldn't have had a life or any great one on one experiences with his parents.
If that makes me a crappy parent - so be it. I couldn't care less what anyone, other than my dh and my children think.
The most important thing is to set a clear schedule and a clear list of expected duties, what you will pay, expected costs of things she will have to pay for, etc. Don't let there be any surprises, because that leads to hurt feelings.
Have fun!!!