Accommodating an Au Pair in the Netherlands for the first three months can be a beautiful yet gripping experience, both for your family and for the Au Pair. We hear it all the time. But there are some ways to help ensure a smooth transition and positive experience. And it is our absolute pleasure to share these with you:
Arrival and First Week
The first week is crucial for helping your Au Pair settle into their new environment and feel welcomed in your home. Taking the time to properly introduce them to your family, home, and neighborhood will set a positive tone for their stay.
- Warm Welcome:
- Greet your Au Pair warmly at the airport.
- Give her/him a tour of your home, the Au Pair room, and explain how everything works.
- Welcome your Au Pair with a nice welcoming card, flowers or toiletries in her/his new room.
- Introduction to Family and Routine:
- Get your au pair acquainted with all family members and pets.
- Clearly explain their daily responsibilities and schedule.
- Provide a written outline of their duties and weekly routine:by using our Family Routine template.
- Local Orientation:
- Show them around the neighborhood, including biking and traffic rules, public transportation, shops, and recreational areas.
- Assist them with legal arrival duties, Dig-ID, opening a Dutch Bank account and acquiring a Dutch SIM card and setting up their phone.
- Assist them with applying for an OV chip card and weekend free subscription
First Month
During the first month the Au Pair usually is still adjusting to their new surroundings and responsibilities. Fostering cultural integration, building a support network, and maintaining open communication will help assure the road to acclimatization. Here are some key steps to focus on during this time:
- Cultural Integration:
- Encourage them to explore Dutch culture and language. Consider enrolling them in a Dutch language course.
- Offer them to pay for a museum card, sport subscription or language course depending on their interests.
- Introduce them to local customs and traditions.
- Support Network:
- Help them connect with other au pairs or expatriates in the area.
- Introduce them to local community centers, libraries, or clubs where they can meet people.
- Regular Check-ins:
- Schedule regular check-ins to discuss their adaptation, workload, and any issues they might be facing.
- Do not set expectations too high, be aware of the fact that your au pair is also here to learn and develop.
- Be open to feedback and make adjustments as necessary.
Second and Third Months
As your au pair becomes more settled, the focus shifts to solidifying routines, encouraging exploration, and maintaining strong communication. This period is crucial for building independence and ensuring a positive, ongoing relationship. Here are some key steps to focus on during the second and third months:
- Routine Establishment:
- Ensure that both your family and the au pair are comfortable with the daily and weekly routines.
- Encourage independence while being available for support when needed.
- Exploration and Leisure:
- Encourage them to take advantage of weekends or free time to explore the Netherlands.
- Provide suggestions for day trips and cultural experiences.
- Continued Support and Communication:
- Maintain open communication to ensure any issues are addressed promptly.
- Continue to support their cultural integration and socialization efforts.
- Feedback and Evaluation:
- At the end of the third month, have a more formal evaluation meeting to discuss their performance, experience, and any adjustments needed for the future.
Please bear in mind, that almost 90% percent of the time the Au Pair come from a whole different culture and a different environment. Not to mention all by theirselves. Things that seem obvious for us in the Netherlands, can be daunting to them. It takes a lot of time, patience and reassurance for the Au Pair to get settled and build a solid connection with you as their Host-Family.
