We would like to nominate our au pair, Rosa, as au pair of the month. Our first experience as a host family ended rather abruptly earlier in the year and left us unsure whether having an au pair was the right option for us. We were feeling a bit deflated and stressed about trying to find someone else, so it was great when we met Rosa and even better when she agreed to join our family for the time she had left in NZ.

 

Within a matter of weeks Rosa totally exceeded our expectations (and hopes) as to the difference an au pair could make to our lives. She very quickly bonded with our eldest child and gently persevered with our younger child, winning her over by the second week. Rosa listened and understood our needs, adapting herself to suit our lifestyle while sharing her own insights and observations made while caring for our children.

 

Rosa has demonstrated maturity, patience and thoughtfulness throughout her time with us, and has taken any challenges in her stride - be it toilet training our youngest, helping our eldest to make friends at kindy or fitting in with two parents who are not always so focused on routine themselves!

 

As a family we have also really enjoyed getting to know Rosa and finding out a bit about her life and interests. After going to watch one of Rosa's regular soccer games both kids are now very keen to 'play soccer like Rosa' and their little faces light up with great big smiles when they see her for the first time each day.

 

Rosa has exciting times ahead of her back when she returns home and, although she will definitely be missed, we wish her all the very best and are grateful for how well she has set us off on this path of having an au pair in our lives!