Theresa Heuser - January 2017

Only a short while after Theresa started with us, I had the intention of putting her forward for Au Pair of the Month as it was clear our experience with her would be a good one.

Theresa has fitted in perfectly with our family and is fantastic with the children, just the right amount of care, assistance, discipline and fun. She is always keen to help, both in and out of her working hours. She is everything we could have hoped for in an Au Pair. This is our first experience with an Au Pair, and we are so happy it's been a wonderful and memorable time. We could not have wished for a better Au Pair and constantly have friends and family tell us that they think we got the 'Pick of the Bunch'.

Theresa takes the time to know what the kids enjoy and always does these activities with them. Right from the day she arrived, she was in with the children, taking time to get to know them. The children adore her and quite often she is outside with them after she finishes for the day, or reading them a bedtime story, which is great and shows she also really enjoys their company.

It's good to know that there is someone there doing the things I would like to do if I was at home with them (To be honest, she probably does more!). My husband and I enjoy Theresa's company, and being quite a mature 19-year-old, we have some great discussions. Not to mention we also enjoy her great cooking and all the baking she does with the children!

Like other Au Pair arrangements, it's challenging for the host family and the Au Pair at the start adjusting to different living arrangements, but we have a great balance and Theresa is key to that. She is also very patient - she has to be to put up with us sometimes! She's been very flexible with last minute changes and works in well with us.

When we have friends and family over there is no expectation that she socialise, but it's great that Theresa enjoys their company - and vice versa - and is always involved in the revelries. We have all learned so much from Theresa and hope she has learned from us also.

She has a special bond with Daniel, our 19-month-old son, and I often see wonderful moments between the two of them. There will certainly be a lot of tears from everyone when she leaves. But we wish her the best in her travel and future endeavours.

I hope this nomination for Theresa is successful as she is very deserving and I would be proud if the children grew up with the same qualities that Theresa possesses.

From the Casey Family