12 Tips for Working as an Au Pair in South Africa

1. A Presentation
12 Tips for Working12 Tips for Working
as an Au Pair inas an Au Pair in
South AfricaSouth Africa

2. An Au Pair is a young
adult hired to take
care of children in
exchange for room
and board, and/or a
small allowance.
What is an Au Pair?

3. What does an Au Pair do?
An Au Pair may be required to:
•Take children to school and fetch them again.
•Help children with homework.
•Play with children and keep them entertained.
•Take children on outings.
•Prepare light meals for children.
•Do the children’s laundry and ironing.
•Tidy up after the children.

4. Being an Au Pair
involves high levels of
responsibility.

5. Being an Au Pair
involves high levels of
responsibility.
But it can also be highly
rewarding.

6. Here are 12 tips to help
you make the most of
your experience as an
Au Pair:

7. Tip 1:
Do your research before you accept a job.
Make sure that the family is trustworthy, and that
you know what they expect from you.

8. Tip 2:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
This applies both before and after you start working
for a family.

9. Tip 3:
Discuss safety arrangements and emergency
procedures with the family.
Also make sure that you have all the relevant
emergency contact details.

10. Tip 4:
Make sure your First Aid skills are up to date.
This will help you to respond appropriately in an
emergency. It will also put the parents’ minds at
ease if they know that you are skilled in First Aid.

11. Tip 5:
Practice good hygiene, and if you live with
the family, make sure to keep your room
tidy.

12. Tip 6:
Always be on time.
This includes making sure that the children are at
school on time, that the children’s meals are ready
on time, and that you adhere to any schedules set
out by the parents.

13. Tip 7:
Always be positive and encouraging around
the children.
You are there to create an environment in which the
children feel safe, and in which they can learn new
things without being discouraged.

14. Tip 8:
Never leave the children alone.
It is your responsibility to make sure that they are
safe, and an accident can happen in the blink of an
eye.

15. Tip 9:
Look out for behavioural changes.
Because you will be spending so much time with the
children, you will probably be the first to notice any
drastic behavioural changes.
It will then be up to you to inform the parents, so
that they can address the situation.

16. Tip 10:
Volunteer to help out with household
chores.
While this won’t usually be part of what you are paid
to do, it will help you to feel part of the family.

17. Tip 11:
Respect the family’s privacy.
Don’t go around discussing their personal
circumstances with others.

18. Tip 12:
Say ‘thank you’.
If the family gives you a gift, or additional time off, or
invites you along on a family trip,
show good manners by saying thank you.

19. Want to learn how to become an Au Pair
in South Africa?
Or call Skills Academy on:
0800 040 040