Here are responses to your questions.
- I saw that you are looking to host an Au Pair in January 7, 2017? Is that the fixed date? I am looking to go over there sooner; I would like to see, that has always been my dream. I think it is too hot for him to come to Thailand.
Natty's last day is January 10, and January 7 is the date that CC agency provided. The one before that is sometime in mid December, and that would be too early for our needs. We would like for you to overlap with Natty so that she can teach you what she knows, but a long overlap will not work for us.
- I would like to let you know that I may have to take 2 weeks off in March because I have to come back to my graduation day ceremony, it is really important to my family and I to receive a diploma from the queen of Thailand. Would that work for you?
You have two weeks of vacation and can use that to travel back to Thailand. Your graduation is a very big deal, so you should be there. However, I dont know the details about traveling out of the country on the visa that you will have. That is something you should ask the Cultural Care agency person in Thailand you know.
- Can I please know what my daily working schedule is?
You will be working Monday - Friday for 45 hours a week. Usually I am at work from 8:30-5:30. We normally will not have you working on the weekends.
- What is Michael’s favorite activity?
Michael loves to walk with his turtle walker right now. He also loves to throw balls, and play with his many toys.
- What are your disciplining techniques?
He's still very young, but he is starting to show a strong personality. Sometimes he whines or cries when he does not get what he wants. I'm trying to make sure everyone does not give him what he wants right away, and for him to learn patience.
-How does Michael bond with Natty?
Michael likes spending time with Natty very much. Natty loves Michael like her own brother.
- Are you planning on taking vacation any time soon? Are you planning on invite your Au pair to go on Vacation as part of the family?
We take one week vacations in July in North Carolina beach every year with my husband's family - there are 30 people there. This year we did not bring our AP because she took vacation. If we need help, we will bring you, and if you'd like to join us, we'd bring you. It will depend on the vacation, our needs, the accommodations (whether there is room for an extra person, or if we need help)
- How is your LCC in your opinion? Is she very support her Au pair if the au pair has homesickness, would she willing to help? Does she have very interesting monthly meeting that I can meet and get to make friends with other Au Pairs in the area?
Mary is the LCC for our area. she is a good LCC. she is supportive, and organizes monthly meetings for the APs to get together. If you are friendly and willing to meet other people, there are many other APs in this area, including Thai au pairs. Natty goes out with her friends often - they go to get ice cream; run in the park; cook together; travel together; and just hang out.
- Does Michael have any behavior challenge?
No, he is a good boy, but like all kids his age, he gets frustrated when he doesn't get what he wants. We will need to explain to him why he cannot have what he wants if we aren't able to give it to him, like you said, with reason and an explanation. We need to teach him patience.
- Does he need any specific Medication or allergies?
No, but he is a sensitive to dairy so if he has too much, his face and skin gets a little red. Otherwise, we don't know about food allergies. He tried a little peanut butter and was fine. We have not tried other types of nuts, shrimps, and honey yet. He will try these when he's old enough, and we will introduce it to him one at a time to make sure we monitor his reaction to the food.
- Would I get a holiday off?
The agency does not give holidays off, and APs are expected to work on American holidays. But you do get the two weeks of vacation, and are only required to work 45 hours a week. Sometimes if it's a big holiday, we do not require help, so you can take the day off or work a different day that week. We can be flexible.