Au Pair Conversations with Ida

This is a post from one of the followers on our Instagram page. Ida is an Au Pair for a special needs child much like me. She wrote about her experience and everything else.

Ida choosing a special needs kid to au pair with

I remember the day so vividly. I just felt that this would be the day where the first family would contact me, and I was right. Oh my gosh how was my heart pounding! When I scrolled through the pictures and it felt so right.

I remember seeing the first pictures of the little boy in some kind of machine which helps him standing and the next one in a wheelchair. I was thinking about whether I ticked the little box where the organization asks you about being willing to take care of special needs kids or not.

A few days later I talked to the dad via skype. After talking about general stuff, I asked him about how limited the boy was in his movement and just how he is general. He just told me like it’s the most natural thing which gave me so much confidence to take on this adventure and so I did.

Leaving Austria to Au Pair

Oh gosh, thinking about this now makes me realize how not ready I was! I barely knew anything about the family but here I was leaving Austria for the year which ended up lasting 19 months. I wouldn’t trade it in for anything in the world, cause throughout all the ups and downs that were included in this time I learned so much about kids and foreign cultures and myself and life and made friendships which were closer than I could have ever imagined.

Anyways, one very big part of my au pair time, except the other kids I took care of and the amazing family I extended with and all the adventures and whatsoever was little J. He had CP and therefore couldn’t talk, walk, crawl, use the toilet or feel himself. J was five years old by the time I arrived, but he was basically like a tall baby considering his abilities.

Arriving and working with J

The first few weeks I was so confused by the squeaks he made I came running anytime I heard something haha! I figured out his preferences and his dislikes as fast as with any other kid I ever took care of.

After a few days, I already liked hanging out with him so much. He was just such a happy kid and his beautiful giggle seriously could end wars! He loved everything including chocolate, in the pool, he just smiled for hours nonstop cause he liked it so much, in therapies he gave his all so he crashed on the car ride back home, and he thought my silly voice was hilarious even after the 100th time.

The only thing that annoyed me was the pity looks people gave me, whether it was some other au pairs we met in the park or strangers in the mall. I couldn’t help it, but it bothered me. What’s the difference between changing a 5-year old’s diaper or a baby’s? I actually think it smells less bad.

I would have done anything to give him the ability to walk and express himself with words. Life doesn’t always work that way though, and he was given the best possibilities possible. He had the most caring family around him, awesome au pairs also before and after me and therapies and medical treatment. Not to mention the best school I think I have ever seen, and he melted his teachers’ heart with his goofy cricket smile. He was having the most out of life.

Another thing I have to mention is that the whole entire community involving special needs kids is amazing. People are more grounded I guess and start valuing things others might not even realize. In case anyone thinks it’s filled with a bunch of pity talks and feeling sorry. You’re so wrong. Uplifting.

special thanks giving

Ida’s Experience overall.

I really loved the whole experience. It didn’t even feel so different from the other kids I took care of or my extension family. I loved it and I am so proud of myself for having the courage that I took the step. That is seriously the hardest part, simply cause you to have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. I loved it. I love J with every bit of my heart. He was my ray of sunshine on the days I needed it. If I could have, I would have brought him home with me.

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Being Homesick

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Aupair Conversation with Courtney | Dutch Aupair

Today we are back hearing about different people and their experiences as an Au Pair. Today we have Courtney who was an Au Pair in Holland near where I lived.

Tell us a little about the reason why you decided to AuPair

I decided to become an Au pair firstly because I love working with children and secondly because it’s the perfect way to travel and experience living in a different country.

What agency did you go through?

Au Pair Travel

How did the process go for you? Was it easy and did you enjoy your process?

The process was very simple and I had no serious difficulties. The only difficulty I came across is the time it took to wait for certain documents. Other than that, it all went well.

How long did it take to get a family?

It took me about 3 weeks to get a match with my family.

What do you regret packing and what do you wish you packed?

I regret nothing that I packed. I packed very little. I do wish I had packed more winter clothing items, but thankfully it is easy to get some here.

Do you think that getting paid what you do is enough per month?

I honestly don’t think that we get paid enough every month. Life can be expensive here, but there is always a way to make things work and there is nothing wrong learning to travel on a low budget.

When did you Aupair? And where?

I am currently Au pairing in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

What has been the highlight of being an AuPair?

I have so many highlights of my time being an Au pair so far, but I would say being able to travel and see so many different European countries is my best highlight!

What was one negative thing about being an Aupair?

I have had some difficult moments while being an Au pair so far, but nothing so bad to pinpoint something negative. My experience has been mostly positive.

Do you recommend being an Au pair?

Yes, definitely. It is an experience that teaches you so much, you have the opportunity to travel and if you’re lucky enough as I am, you get a host family that feels like your own family.

Final thoughts on AuPairing in The Netherlands

Deciding to come Au pair in the Netherlands is one of the best decisions that I’ve made. It has opened up my mind to a different way of living and I have had the opportunity to experience things that I would never have thought I would have ever been able to. Living away from home for so long is challenging, as well as adapting to living with another family. As long as you have a positive attitude, an open mind and you are willing to adapt to different ways, you’ll be good to go! Your friends become your family too. I have met so many different people and have made friends for life. I would highly recommend Au Pairing In the Netherlands and I would come here again if I had the opportunity to!

 

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AU Pair Conversations With Courtney 2019 | Weirdlifeofanaupair

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