Julia Becker, Canterbury

We would like to nominate Julia Becker as Au pair of the month. Julia has been with us since July 2010. I count my blessing daily for her being part of our family. In February we had child number three, a wee girl called Sasha and more than ever I appreciate all that Julia does for us. The two older children, Lachlan and Tessa love her. They get to spend lots of time outside, getting dirty and going for bike rides while I can get my office work done and spend good quality time with Sasha without the other kids missing out. She is happy to read the same stories over and over again and to dance to kids’ music – all very important skills with preschoolers! She is wonderful at leading a hand when necessary, and I especially appreciate her around bath time and tea time. She is flexible and always helpful and happy – an absolute treasure! She has coped very well with a huge culture shock – Germany to rural Otago with 1 200 cows! Julia replaced another au pair Talina, who had been with us for a year and I was worried we would not be as lucky again but we were and I think this is a testament to the good matching process. Our family will certainly miss Julia, the children are really going to feel a gap when she leaves, she is a member of our family who has really helped the kids learn and grow into good little people.

Julia Becker