Every six months we have a stranger from another country come and live with us. At the end of the six months, they leave and we don't see them again, except for the odd-Skype session.
Someone at work asked me if that was 'confusing for the children'. I had no answer for that question, because I'd never thought of it as confusing for them. I don't feel I really have a choice other than go down the 'au pair' path.
So, every six months, because of the working-visa requirements, we have to change live-in baby-sitters.
And their brothers.
The optimist in me likes to think it makes for a more interesting house.
Right now, we're interviewing a batch of girls from Germany. I'm busily photographing situations demonstrating happy families.
To show them smiling Aussie kids who're having boundless amounts of fun.
Skippedy-doo in the morning winter sun.
I've found my kids to be pretty accepting of everyone of the girls who've lived with us.
(The eldest Solid Gold Dancer is now wearing my skinny jeans. They fit her better than they fit me.)
Life goes on doesn't it? In six years' time that eldest SGD will be graduating from high school.
There's no point dwelling on the decisions one makes or what one can't change.
There's no point dwelling on the decisions one makes or what one can't change.
I think as long as you are there as a constant then the kids will cope with the babysitter change.
ReplyDeleteI also think change is an inevitable part of life and learning how to cope with this as a life skill is really important. So there has to be some benefit to learning this young.... I do honestly think kids are tougher than we give them credit for. As you say - life always goes on.
Take care.
Confusing schmusing!
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome and yours kids are lucky!
I say tell 'doubt' when it comes knocking.."oh it's you, well i'm busy planning how best to live our life, take a seat in the back there and shut up"
ReplyDelete....honestly I think it's ace! x
Back again...build your village! xx (fist pump)
ReplyDeleteA little while ago, I learnt not to listen to what those 'people at work' say as they are so completely narrow minded and down right boring. It's a blissful place to go now as I just dont hear anything!! I have been applying the same skills at various family functions and have achieved good results so far ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo good for children to experience new people and cultures, yay for making adaptable and intersting solid gold dancers, I say.
Just think of all those countries the SGD's will have free accomodation in when they're older..well, that's what I'm thinking anyway! I think you're doing a great job, if anything sucks it's the length of working visa's!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't see how that would be any more confusing than the turnover in employees at a daycare center. My grandson was in daycare for 6 months and had 3 teachers. My daughter had 4 different babysitters and a stint at daycare before she was 5 years old, and I don't see that it sent her packing off to therapy. Like you said, fretting over things you can't change is a waste of time. And I agree with the people who have said it's great for your kids to have so many cultural experiences. I consider that a huge advantage.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather have an au pair every six months than daycare. Kids can adapt to anything, they're stronger than we think.
ReplyDeletexo
p.s. A Canadian au pair would be grand,eh?
On reflection , I believe the importance of the family home gives children primary security.
ReplyDeleteThis being so, it is far more disrupting to change care venues than the constant the home provides.
These au pair girls are your live-in visitors and I also believe that the children appreciate this.
A German "visitor" will add a different flavour and experience.
Children might be confused if they move constantly, or only see a parent sporadically. I don't know how new friends who stay six months at a time can cause confusion. Your kids seem very happy and well adjusted, and they may even learn to speak Korean or German!
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with happy skippidy doo kids with multi cultural exposure.
ReplyDeleteIs SGD1 going to high school next year?!
Oh, the solid gold dancers are so adorable! I'd listen to that optimist- it DOES make for a more interesting house, I'm sure of it!! Seeing those pictures of them skyping makes me think they're so lucky! There's someone in Korea who loves them and who they'll always have a special connection to:-)
ReplyDelete