Bringing an au pair into your family is more than just finding someone to help with the kids. It’s about welcoming a new member into your home, someone who will become a part of your daily life and, ideally, your family traditions.
The beauty of having an au pair is that you get to share your culture with them while also learning about theirs. But how do you ensure your au pair feels like part of the family, especially when it comes to those beloved traditions?
Make Them Part of the Planning
One of the best ways to make your au pair feel involved in family traditions is to invite them into the planning process. Whether it’s planning a holiday meal, decorating the house, or organizing a family outing, involving them from the start shows that you value their input.
Before any big event, take some time to sit down with your au pair and explain what’s coming up. Share the history and significance of your traditions, and ask if they have any similar customs from their home country.
For events like holiday dinners or birthday parties, ask your au pair if they’d like to contribute a dish or decoration that’s traditional in their culture. This not only makes them feel involved but also enriches your own family’s experience by introducing something new.
Giving your au pair a specific role in the event, such as being in charge of a particular dish, activity, or decoration, makes them feel responsible and included. It’s a simple yet effective way to integrate them into the tradition.
Create New Traditions Together
Incorporating your au pair into your existing traditions is fantastic, but what about starting some new ones together? This is a great way to build memories that are unique to your current family dynamic, including your au pair.
Cultural Exchange Nights – Set aside one evening a month to celebrate a tradition from your au pair’s home country. It could be a special meal, a holiday, or even a movie night featuring films from their culture.
New Holiday Activities – Add a new activity to your holiday traditions that’s inspired by your au pair’s culture. For example, if your au pair comes from a country where making handmade ornaments is popular, why not add that to your Christmas preparations? It’s a fun way to blend cultures and create lasting memories.
Family Adventure Days – Plan a day where your family, including your au pair, tries something completely new together. It could be visiting a cultural festival, exploring a new area in your city, or trying out a new sport or activity.
Involve Them in Everyday Traditions
Not all traditions are grand or tied to holidays. Some of the most meaningful family traditions are the small, everyday rituals that bring a family together. Your au pair should be part of these too.
If you have a tradition of eating dinner together as a family, make sure your au pair is always included. Encourage them to share stories from their day or talk about their family back home. This fosters a sense of belonging and makes dinnertime a moment of connection for everyone.
Does your family have a Friday pizza night or a Sunday morning pancake tradition? Include your au pair in these routines. Maybe even let them take the lead one week and introduce a dish or activity from their culture that could become a new family favorite.
Celebrate Their Traditions
Remember, cultural exchange is a two-way street. Just as you’re eager to share your traditions, be equally enthusiastic about celebrating your au pair’s customs and holidays.
Learn About Their Holidays – Take the time to learn about the holidays and traditions that are important to your au pair. Ask them how they typically celebrate, and then find ways to incorporate these celebrations into your family’s schedule. It could be as simple as making a traditional dish together or decorating the house in a way that reflects their culture.
Host a Celebration – If your au pair’s family holiday is approaching, why not host a celebration in their honor? Invite some of their friends or other au pairs in the area to join, and let them take the lead in planning. This shows your support for their culture and makes them feel truly valued.
Surprise Them – On a day that’s significant in their culture, surprise your au pair with a small gift or gesture that acknowledges the occasion. It could be as simple as a card, a small token, or even cooking a meal from their home country. These little acts of kindness go a long way in making them feel loved and included.
Keep Communication Open
At the heart of all these strategies is open communication. Your au pair may be hesitant at first, especially if they’re from a different cultural background, so it’s crucial to keep the lines of communication open.
Regularly check in with your au pair about how they’re feeling and if there’s anything they’d like to be more involved in. This shows that you’re not just assuming they’re okay but that you genuinely care about their experience.
Remember, adapting to a new culture and family takes time. Be patient and understanding if your au pair seems shy or hesitant at first. Over time, as they feel more comfortable, they’ll naturally become more involved.
Wrapping Up Your Cultural Journey
Involving your au pair in your family traditions isn’t just about making them feel included—it’s about creating a richer, more diverse family experience for everyone. By inviting them to be a part of your traditions, and by embracing theirs, you’re not just blending cultures, you’re building a deeper connection that will last long after their time with your family comes to an end.
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