Since we have launched Host Family Handbook we have heard from a lot of host parents  that there aren't a lot of outlets for them to connect with each other. They are especially interested in sharing au pair advice, sharing personal stories and swapping au pair experiences.

It's such an interesting situation given how there is exceptional effort put into community meetings for au pairs, building relationships among au pairs, etc. (which I think is great!) Yet, that same support network doesn't seem available for host parents. Honestly, it probably is because most host families have no interest in meeting other host parents on their weekends or during their free time.... . However, I do think many host families would be interested in a networked, online solution-- especially when they have a question.

From a business perspective this seems like a logical action to take- to enable communication among host parents. For all of those host families that are having bad au pair experiences, they simply turn away from the au pair program never to return. If they simply had other parents to talk with throughout the process--  to coach them, to offer realistic suggestions, to tell them they are not alone and to offer au pair help, they may have stuck with the program.

I guess that is one of the things that motivated me to start this site.

First, I wanted to help prospective parents who are considering an au pair get to the truth about what it is like to host an au pair. An agency can tell you what you NEED to know, and you can read testimonials on sites, but it is nothing like talking to parents that host au pairs and live with them daily.

Second, I wanted to help current host families who need AU PAIR HELP and a sounding board! Those people that need to know if others are in a similiar situation, how they handled their problems, if things got better, what worked, and what didn't.

So, for all of you parents considering an au pair, we are here. (and don't forget the book we have! It really does tell you everything! It is the inside scoop)

For all of you parents with a current au pair, consider sharing your stories (good, bad, and ugly!) on our au pair message boards. After all, we need to help each other and offer each other some AU PAIR HELP.

I look forward to teaming with all of you and the agencies, counselors, and others to get host parents together and helping each other and sharing our experiences!