Au Pair Guidelines
Guidelines to being a great au pair:
Always listen to and respect the wishes of the parent(s).
NEVER SMACK A CHILD. If you have a problem with a child, always speak to the parent(s).
If you are out with the children, it is your responsibility to make sure that the children are safe and cannot come to any harm. ALWAYS hold the hand of a small child when you are in the street, crossing the road, or in a situation that could quickly become dangerous for a child.
When you are looking after a child at home, never stay in your bedroom with the door shut, always be around the child, and accessible to the child. Do not have music so loud that you cannot hear a child calling or crying.
NEVER LEAVE A CHILD NEAR WATER UNATTENDED (I.E IN A BATH, PADDLING POOL, ETC.) – not even to answer the door, or the telephone.
When crossing the roads with a pram, pushchair, buggy, etc. never walk into the road near a parked vehicle, always cross the road where you can be seen.
Your room is your own private place in the family’s home, however you must always be aware that small children do not understand this and may wander into your room, therefore keep pills, medicine, matches or anything dangerous out of reach from small children. (Lock them in suitcases, put them high up, etc.)
Children put things in their mouth, up their nose; therefore if you see any small objects lying around, (even if it’s during your free time) pick them up and put them in a safe place, where small fingers cannot reach them.
If you take small children to the park always beware of any danger, on the swings, slides, roundabout, near water etc. If you meet a friend at the park, always be aware that if you have the children of the family with you, then you are ‘ON DUTY’, and this is not the time to socialise with friends. Your priority is the children.
Never give small children any sweets, nuts or any other food before first asking the permission of the parents. Some children have allergies to certain foods, which can be very dangerous to a small child.
The au pair shall conform to the rules set by the host family concerning the use of the host family’s phone (normal and/or cell phone) and PC (Internet).