Household Duties of an Au Pair

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Wigzell]Danielle Wigzell
Many au pairs, especially those who are new to the role, don't know what to expect when they start work with a new host family. Although your main responsibility would be to care for the children, there are also a range of other household tasks you could be asked to do. The aim of this article is to give you a quick insight into the types of tasks you may be expected or asked to do.
Task 1 - Childcare
Obviously the main role for an au pair with any host family will be looking after the children. This can include general tasks such as getting them dressed, ensuring they are ready for school or making sure they are clean and tidy. You may also be expected to entertain them, especially children who are not enrolled in school, take them on trips out, supervise homework or put them to bed.
Task 2 - Transportation
Some host families will expect you to be able to drive and this would have been addressed during your application and subsequent communication with the host family. You may be required to take the children to and from school or out on day trips as well as driving to shops or on errands for the family.
Task 3 - General Cleaning
In the majority of households, host families will expect you to undertake light general cleaning tasks too. This can involve a variety of tasks including cleaning surfaces, hovering or moping floors as well as cleaning bedrooms or bathrooms. In all cases, you will be expected to keep your own living space clean and tidy.
Task 4 - Laundry
Some host families will expect you to do laundry too - this is usually just the children's laundry. Laundry will usually involve cleaning clothes, drying them and then pressing or ironing them.
Task 5 - Cooking
Although not always the role of the au pair, cooking is becoming an increasing popular task in most host families. You may therefore be expected to cook meals for the children and yourself. You may be asked by the host family to cook specific meals, whilst other families might allow you to cook whatever you want. In some cases, you may also be asked to do grocery shopping on behalf of the family too.
The role of au pairs varies greatly between families so it's important to raise the question of what tasks you will be required to do during the interviewing process to make sure you are happy with what is expected of you. It's also important to make sure that the tasks you are required to do are included in your contract and that your pocket money reflects these.
For more information on au pair contracts and other au pair questions, visit the [http://www.futureaupair.com]Future Au Pair website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Household-Duties-of-an-Au-Pair&id=6333889] Household Duties of an Au Pair