Make Your Host Kids Love You Using These Tips
Every parent needs an Au Pair that they can trust, especially when it comes to their little ones. As an Au Pair, you will be treated as a family member – you will act like a big sister or brother to the kids. This means it’s important that you try to establish a good relationship with the kids and make your stay with them as enjoyable as possible. We want to make it easier for you so we’re sharing with you some tips on how to make your host kids love you as their Au Pair.
Show Kindness and be Patient
Kindness and patience are the first and the easiest way to make your host kids love you. These two things might even come naturally to you. There will be times that a kid will do things that will really annoy you like shouting, crying, or running around for hours. What you can do is close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you were once a kid too. You did the same thing when you were little and kids ought to experience the same as it is part of their childhood. You can laugh along with them instead. You don’t have to make them feel happy all the time, sometimes it’s good to just make them feel that you understand what they’re feeling and that you are always there for them.
Be Friendly
Be the first to ask questions and start a conversation. Ask them about what they’re watching, what they’re reading, or what video games they are playing. They will love you even more if you can remember what they told you the other day. Make your host kids love you by making them feel that you are really interested in what they’re doing. There will be times when you will feel exhausted and that’s okay. In times like that, you can encourage them to do fun activities on their own like coloring, playing board-games etc but tell them that you’re watching and keep an eye on them. Cheer them up while they’re doing it to make it an extra-fun activity for them.
Be a Good Listener
When kids are just starting to learn how to talk, it’s very common for them to create and share stories using their own imagination. As a big sister or brother, it’s best that you keep encouraging that by not only asking questions but by listening to them as well. When kids learn new words, make funny faces or do silly movements – paying attention to these little things will definitely make your host kids love you.
Let Them Know You’re a Team
Since you will be spending a lot of time with your host kids, you will more likely learn so many things about them. You are going to be their best friend! Let them know you support them and that you will cheer them on during school activities or even when they make a harmless mistake at home – let them feel they can trust you. You can, of course, share the “team secrets” with your host mum and dad. They will surely appreciate your efforts to make your host kids love you and in treating the kids as if they’re your own siblings.
Give Compliments
Kids love it when they’re being appreciated for something they did or about something they said! If the child shows you a painting that she painted on her own, tell her how beautiful it was. If she said something funny (or silly), let her know how funny it was. If she let another kid borrow some of her toys, tell her it was very kind of her to do that. Doing this will not only make your host kids love you, but it will also teach them to stay kind, creative, and grow as a wonderful human being. You’re also encouraging them to feel good about themselves and make other kids feel the same.
Being an Au Pair may sound like a stressful responsibility but it’s actually not! You only need to be yourself – have fun, be happy, give love and receive love in return. Make your host kids love you by being your true self.
If you think you’re ready to start your Au Pair adventure and have an awesome time with your new siblings, send us a message and we’ll help find the perfect host family for you!