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Au Pairs in Australia

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25.01.2022 Safety tip: always slice grapes before giving them to young children.

24.01.2022 Want to experience a bit of Aussie culture and groove to some uniquely Australian hip hop? check out the Bliss N Eso Circus Under the Stars Tour. Going nationwide with some local and big name artists like Seth Sentry and Horrorshow! Grab a few friends head to an awesome show with a great vibe and totally Aussie sound! You can find them on Facebook.

24.01.2022 If your host family asks how your day went, ask about your family, pay you on time, monitor your hours so you're not working too much, encourage you to get out there and enjoy your city, explain how things work, sit down with you with a map and show you the best places to eat and see, support you when the kids play up, give you time off to travel when they can, ensure you have healthy nutritious food to eat, then you are a lucky au pair! All families and au pairs ago through some difficult patches but ensure that you keep your focus on the positives. One way to show your appreciation could be a thank you note or even a post on your host parents facebook page. If your host family feel appreciated they will do more to show their appreciation too. Go on- do it!!!!

24.01.2022 How do you win the hearts of your host family?

24.01.2022 Today is R U OK? Day. This day is dedicated to remind people to regularly check in with family and friends to make sure they're ok. Perhaps your host parent might be a little down or an au pair you met once hasn't been in touch. Find a comfortable place and get the conversation going "you're a bit tired, how's it going?" "You don't seem yourself, what's up?". Listen without judgement, encourage action and follow up. Three little words can make a difference in someone's life.

23.01.2022 Did you know it's whale watching season? Hurry - you only have till November! Here's one deal out now http://www.ourdeal.com.au//whale-watching-gold-coast-main-

22.01.2022 If you've tried vegemite and didn't like it - try this...it's an art!

22.01.2022 How can you keep the children in your care safe? The best way to keep your host kids safe is to always supervise. Four year olds for example are adventurous but don't always understand danger. With the help of your host parent teach your preschooler some basic rules about staying safe. You can teach your host children: safe outdoor boundaries (eg from back fence to side gate; simple rules eg no helmet no bike, holding hands around cars, no kids alone in the kitchen); asking ...to do certain things (eg going near water, getting something from a kitchen drawer); road safety skills (stop, look, listen, think); when to dial 000; their full name, address and phone number; not to go with unfamiliar adults. ALWAYS supervise WATER - bath, paddling pool, beach, TRAFFIC - crossing the road, car parks, in the driveway, DOGS especially when the dog is eating, KITCHEN - hot oven, kettle, knives and poisons. Try not to be overprotective but make sure play areas are safe and supervised.

22.01.2022 This is the weekend to visit Canberra! The fireworks are set to music and the city comes alive. Don't miss it!

22.01.2022 Anzac Day is fast approaching and since it's the 100th anniversary of the landing it's a very special one. Do you know what it's all about? Why not go and see this classic film (a young Mel Gibson is one of the stars) You will leave with a better understanding of what it is to be Australian. Lots of bars to have something to eat or drink nearby.

21.01.2022 Confused about the different types of football? Well first of all, in Europe football is what Australians and Americans call soccer. If you are in Victoria the most popular form of football is AFL, if you are in Queensland and NSW it is NRL and then there's Rugby Union just to confuse things even more. Definitely go see a match! Choose the local team or the team of your host family and enjoy a a meat pie at the game the way the locals do. To help you understand the different games check out this site http://www.australiance.com/about-aust/sports/afl-nrl-union

19.01.2022 WARNING - there have been reports of some agencies claiming that Au pairs MUST complete a course to work legally as Au pairs in Australia. They then charge for this 'course' and give out a certificate which is completely worthless. You do not need any qualifications to work as an Au pair. All you need is the correct Working visa. Some families may insist on first aid courses but there is no LEGAL requirement to do so. If you have been told that you MUST pay for a course by an agency, please report to us.

19.01.2022 If you're in Sydney you shouldn't miss the fleet spectacular tomorrow! It's going to be spectacular! www.navy.gov.au

19.01.2022 Working on a farm is a way to earn the right to apply for a second year visa. Have you been fruit picking or worked on a farm? What was it like? Would you recommend it to others?

18.01.2022 Before you know it, it will be Christmas ! A common dilemma for au pairs is what to purchase for their host kids. Books are a great idea for the whole family. A really cheap place to buy is the book depository with free delivery just buy early. And here are some tips for what to buy tween boys as they are often the most difficult. Also great for birthday gifts if you've gone home! http://happyhooligans.ca/best-books-for-boys-ages-8-16/

16.01.2022 Don't miss Canberra this spring! Plan to visit during Nightfest 2015 there's so much to see and do. Book your tickets to Nightfest now! http://www.floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest/

16.01.2022 Visiting sydney? For the most amazing view catch the train or the ferry to Milsons point then walk to the harbour foreshore. You can then visit Luna park or the swimming pool for a dip. Great photos too!

15.01.2022 Going home soon? Can't believe where the time has gone? When you were back home, you would have put alot of thought into what to pack, what documents you needed and so on. Equally, you need to put some thought into preparing to leave. Here are some things you might forget so get them done as early as you can so you can enjoy your last few days with the host family and your friends. Firstly, locate your passport! You may not have needed it for a while so double check yo...u have it somewhere safe. Then, change your mailing address to your new address. Close your bank account if you are going straight home, otherwise ask the post office to hold your mail in the capital city you will be travelling to. Write cards to your host children and family. A nice touch is to write a card to each child about what you loved most about them. One magnificent Au Pair wrote a fairytale about her time with the children, it was marvellous and very creative! Even if they are too young to understand right now, they will have this as a keepsake for the future. Don't leave this to the last minute as you really want it to be special. Buy a small gift for the children and parents. It can be something as simple as a framed photo or a photobook. It certainly doesn't need to be expensive - sentimental is fine! Start sorting and culling your wardrobe. Give away or sell what you won't be taking home. At least one week before, pack your bags - yes that early. Leave out the few things you will wear so that you aren't spending your last few days madly packing. It's not a nice way to spend your last few days! Thoroughly clean your room. Your host family will really appreciate it. You don't want to spoil a good relationship by leaving a mess. It's always so busy when an Au Pair is leaving and your host family will have gone to a great effort to make sure your room was lovely when you arrived, so it is only fair that you do a spring clean of your room so that it's ready for any incoming Au Pair and not leave that to the host family. Make some time for your host family. Don't invite your friends to any special outings the family organises for you unless the family expressly offers for you to bring a friend - they may wish to say something special or do something special just as a family. Finally organise a leaving drinks or party at least a week before you leave with your friends - no one wants to be hungover or tired on a plane! The day before you leave, hand back any keys or anything else belonging to the family like a family mobile phone. Prepare for tears and an emotional day! All the best to you! We hope you've had a wonderful experience in Australia! Remember life is journey - with all that you've experienced your life will be forever richer! See more

14.01.2022 Like outdoor festivals but find them too expensive? Tropfest is the world's largest short film festival and it is absolutely free in centennial park on Sunday 8th December. If you're in Sydney take public transport or cycle as they have a free valet bike service and if you use it you go into the draw to win some prizes. If you're not from Sydney it would make a fantastic part of a weekend away. No excuses Canberra au pairs- you're only a bus ride away! Enjoy and make the most of your stay!

13.01.2022 In Melbourne or planning on visiting? If money's tight here are some free things you could be doing right now!

13.01.2022 Queensland's Sunshine Coast is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a walk in the winter sunshine. Here are some ideas if you are visiting or Au pairing in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast to keep you active and enjoying spectacular scenery. http://m.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au//top-10-walkin/2676598/

13.01.2022 Suitcase or backpack? What to pack? What advice do you have for other Au Pairs who are currently packing their bags to head off on their great Aussie adventure?

10.01.2022 Want to get away this winter? Look into a holiday to the mountains. Check out Thredbo, Jindabyne, Perisher. Take some friends, take the kids hit the hills to go sledding, tubing, skiing or snowboarding in true Australian style. try snowholidays.com.au for some basic information on when and where of an Aussie ski holiday.

09.01.2022 Happy Easter everyone!!! Here's a pic of super au pair Cheryl making an Easter bonnet and enjoying herself with her host family. Your host family are so happy with your efforts!

09.01.2022 IMPORTANT POST! I had a very distressing message today from an Au Pair who went out with a man she met through an Au Pair Facebook group. She had too much to drink and the man took her back to his apartment and took advantage of her. Being drunk meant that she was not able to give proper consent. He has been reported to the police. Please take note and only meet people in public places with friends. Tell your host family where you are going and when you will be back. Se...nd a text message to let them know you are safe. DO NOT hitchhike or get into the car of any person you don't know well. Your host family would prefer you ring them at 3am to pick you up rather than you put yourself in an unsafe situation. Remember to call 000 if you are in an emergency situation. Do not drink too much when you are out as this makes you vulnerable to an attack. Australia is a safe country, but there are people who if given the opportunity will take advantage of young people without giving it a second thought. Stay safe. See more

09.01.2022 What are the top three things you should look for in a host family? 1. A family that you share common interests/lifestyle with - don't just tell them what you think they want to hear - be honest - if you love your junk food and hate exercising, tell the truth - if you love the outdoors but they are indoors people then you might not fit well either. If you really love babies but don't connect well with older kids, be honest. 2. Have they had positive experiences with Au ...Pairs in the past? All families if they have enough Au Pairs might have one or two where it didn't work out, but for the most part, they should be more than happy to share the details of all previous au pairs. 3. Are they honest and kind? You can tell this by checking with previous Au Pairs or nannies or employers. Do they keep in touch with previous Au Pairs? All this is much more important than money, location and so forth. There's no point having all the money in the world but being miserable. So shop around for the right family. Just remember to tell all families that you are looking for the RIGHT ONE. When you are interviewing with a family - tell them you are talking to a few families. There is nothing wrong with doing that - it is only wrong if you aren't upfront about it. Families shop around for the right Au Pair too - so don't take offence if they are talking to a few other Au Pairs. Don't commit to a family and then keep looking. Once you've made a commitment, stick to it even if you get a better offer. But only accept if they are the right fit for you. Don't just take the position for fear there might not be another position - there are always families looking for eager, loving Au Pairs. The thing host parents look for is HONESTY. Be honest in all your dealings with host families and you will find you will find THE ONE.

07.01.2022 If you live in the southern states you may be getting your first taste of winter in Australia! The time for walking in the mountains, finding a cosy pub with a fire and enjoying other outdoor activities in the winter sun- perhaps even skiing! Remember that your host kids sometimes won't think to rug up in warm clothes just like they often don't realise they are hungry. It's your job to ensure they stay warm and cosy. Take a jumper with you when you go out for yourself and the kids and if you're wearing one they should be too!

06.01.2022 How did you enjoy your Aussie Christmas? Did your Aussie family spoil you with a beautiful Christmas lunch and presents? Have your family taken you on holiday or to stay with their family? Remember that this may be their only holiday for several months, while you may have other holidays planned.Pitch in, take any duties set for you as seriously as you would at any other time of the year. If you are being hosted by your host parents' family or friends then it is most important... that you be a great guest, help with the children and give the host parents time to enjoy their break. Offer to make breakfast, cook dinner or take the kids off their hands for a few hours even if you aren't being paid, they will have gone to some expense over the holiday period and at the very least you need to earn your keep. So show your appreciation by being proactive and considerate. This will go a long way in the new year when you ask for a night off or for time off for holidays. Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season and are planning a big New Year's Eve ! See more

06.01.2022 How are you going to spend Australia Day? Post on the au pair groups and arrange to meet some new friends!

05.01.2022 An independent website with free information. More coming soon www.aupairadvice.com.au

04.01.2022 If you're in Sydney don't miss Vivid!

03.01.2022 What are the best things about being an Au Pair?

03.01.2022 What can you do to bond with your host children? It's not something that happens on its own. Affection and love are earned. Every time you say "yes" to playing a game (even if you'd rather be doing something else), every time you praise, hug a child, give a thumbs up, sing a song, play catch, tell a joke or just be there you are creating a relationship. When your host children feel that you love and care about them, your job will be much easier as they will be more likely to ...be compliant and respect you. Your time as an au pair will be something you will treasure if you have created a bond. It's totally up to you but it's all those little every day things that add up to a whole lotta love. Take a look at Rachel an Au Pair from the United States' way of creating a bond. A little note for the children when she went away for a few days. It doesn't take much but it means so much. See more

02.01.2022 Halloween... The scariest night of the year! There are so many great recipes, worksheets and craft activities on the net that you can use to have some great fun with your host kids. You can also educate then about the origins of Halloween too. Have fun!

02.01.2022 A must do in Sydney...have you been on this walk? Tell us about it!

02.01.2022 Next time someone calls you a babysitter and tells you your job is easy, show them this....promise it will give you a giggle..http://www.buzzfeed.com//24-things-every-nanny-knows-to-be