The following is a passage from an e-mail that one of our terrific host families sent to their au pair, Lisa. This family faces special challenges and their au pair shares in the work to meet those needs everyday. The Host Mom asked that I share this with our group so that the au pair, Lisa, knows how much they appreciate her talents and efforts.
“I know we tease and joke and probably don’t tell you enough but you are doing a fabulous job with the children. We love having you in our family and doing what you do. Although I don’t always say it outright, I recognize the little things you do and think about to help out, have the kids behave or even make sure they lead healthy lives. I know some days aren’t easy, they can be challenging and frustrating but you’re a strong woman and do well to take it in stride and not let it bother you too much.
Today you really impressed me when you thought about Devin’s food he might be eating later rushing to Tball practice. You wanted to make sure his lunch was healthy as you figured later he may not be eating the healthiest items as he runs out the door. Instead of thinking what was easy for you, you thought more about what was BETTER for Devin. It was smart, thoughtful and great of you to do that. You are also encouraging them to eat items they would not normally try.
You’re a “thinker” and I like that about you - you analyze the situation and come up with ideas or solutions. You assess all that needs to be done and not only think about getting it done but the RIGHT way to do so. You are on top of lists, medications, ordering diapers and appointments. I can’t tell you how much I, myself, appreciate that. Life is very busy for me as you know and I can’t imagine leading someone with all those things plus with what I have as well to take care of.
So - I wish we could pay you a ton of money for all you do and who you are in our family but we can’t. I do hope my words of gratitude and appreciation are good too. You have been an awesome au pair and friend. Thank you Lisa, I know when you leave us and decide your path in life you will do very well.”
After this grateful Host Mom sent the e-mail to her au pair, she asked that I share it by posting it on my website. She wanted to add a few more thoughts about Lisa’s terrific contribution to their family and I’ve included it here as well.
“Our life here is probably vastly different from other families given our daughter with disabilities. As Lydia grows her emotional and physical disabilities are becoming more prominent. It can sometimes make the day very rewarding or very challenging. Lisa, although not trained in this field, has done extremely well in adjusting to Lydia as well as being an advocate for her in her therapy sessions as well as with me. She provides suggestions, ideas and ways in which to improve the quality of life for Lydia and our family.
I am extremely impressed with this young woman - she is extremely mature, organized, detailed and caring. She is wonderful as she makes sure our daily logs are detailed, she reminds me to order diapers and wipes, medications and other related items for the children. Not only is Lisa fully vested with Lydia she has connected and cared well for my boys - Devin (6) and Grant (10 months). Devin can struggle a bit with schoolwork and Lisa worked with him daily after school and continues on in the summer with working daily on worksheets. She also as you can see through my email thinks about the children in terms of nutrition making sure they daily intake is well balanced.
The months that Lisa has been here hasn’t always been easy with the children contracting various illnesses and sometimes struggling in other areas. Plus with this she is managing a baby, a disabled child and a growing school aged child. This by far isn’t easy some days and I commend her for her patience, ability to smile through it all and manage a busy day.”
Sally, thank you for sharing your beautiful words and praise for Lisa. She is obviously a very talented and mature young woman. And you are a terrific Host Mom to give Lisa such positive feedback and to share your rave review with our group. Thanks for taking the time to do so!
Lisa, keep up the good work. You are a wonderful example of exactly what we hope each and every au pair can bring to their own host family.
