To be a successful au pair, you must integrate into your host family succesfully. Also your integration process will help your language skills to improve. Be open-minded! Ask as many questions as you need to. No one will expect you to speak the perfect language. The family accepted you with your English level, so not to worry, and do not be shy! Communicate as much as possible since it is the key to success in having a good, close relationship with your host family.
Your primary duties will revolve around the children. You will take responsibility for them and they will trust you and look up to you. If you love children you will have a great chance to make them love you as well. You can make a difference in children’s lives by acting as a role model and opening up new horizons for them. Teaching them about your home country and discovering the world together. The children will benefit greatly from the opportunity to learn about your culture and to see another culture through your eyes. Children love to be engaged in all sorts of activities. Don’t just watch them playing, play with them!
You may often be left in sole charge of the children, so make sure before you accept the job, that you will be comfortable with this situation. The Golden rule is never taking a risk. Small children have a habit of finding danger. If a child is out of sight and quiet, he/she is probably up to mischief.
A good au pair needs to have the patience for endless rounds of hide and seek, plus the willingness to mess up a pair of new jeans making mud pies. Managing kids can be a challenge. Au pairing is also about responsibility and good planning.
Au pairing can involve any number of duties besides caring for children. You will also be asked to do light household chores. Au pairs and host families should agree upon duties and expectations prior to the au pair's arrival at the host family's home. This helps to avoid problems and misunderstandings. Creating a detailed working schedule for the Au Pair is one of the key factors of a successful Au Pair stay.