Family Pit Crew
Hello Team Parent!Â
If you are like me … a busy parent! I have to manage my household like I manage a company and it takes defining a strategy for people and process to move forward. Here are some helpful resources to have the best possible experience with managing the household and having the best year possible by creating a dynamic family culture that promotes a connection with your kids and caregivers.
No matter if you have a nanny, a live-in caregiver or you are a host family with an au pair. We have resources below to support your journey as you build a strong and lasting relationship with your family pit crew.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
– Mary Michael
What is a Family Pit Crew?
“If a NASCAR Driver can have a pit crew to support them, then so can I as parent. I am committed to keeping sanity as part of team parent.” – Mary Michael
A member of the family pit crew is:Â
An extraordinary team member that joins your family team to support your family culture and provides a role model to the next generation (aka ‘your kids’). Instead of using the word ‘caregiver’ this special team member becomes part of ‘team parent’ and participates like part of the family and gets to support the culture and also the enforcement of rules set forth by team parent.
We have made a tool kit to help make this simple. We are here to support you in navigating the steps needed to set up your family pit crew.
Learn More Below
Before Starting ...
Before deciding what care giving program is a good fit.Â
When I was searching for an au pair and nanny, there are questions I should have asked. Learn from my experience! Get your support team in place.
Setting Up Your Profile​
Let’s face it! There is competition to get the best of best caregivers for your family. Show off your family resume with all your family has to offer and attract the perfect fit to your family
Finding the Perfect Fit
How to find your perfect match for your family? I learned the hard way and did not ask the right questions. Learn from my experience and get the interview questions that I use … to find my perfect match! ​
Read More
On-Boarding Checklist
This is the most important part to the relationship of an au pair is the on boarding and setting a foundation for the
best au pair year ever!​
Household Guidebook (aka Handbook)
Set up the culture in your household, explain the rules and have all the emergency contacts listed … and much more!
Coming soon
Helpful Print Outs & Monthly Planner
All families are busy running their own organization and having check lists and planners are essential to keep calm and carrying on … plus au pairs like them so they don’t have to read your mind :-).
Even More Resources ...
Family Fun Activities with an Au Pair
Plan your culture in your family. Find ways to integrate the au pair into your family. Here are some fun ways to incorporate the au pair into your family.Â
Fun family ideas with an Au Pair: Vacation Schedule, Birthdays, Holidays, Transition and Good-bye, Extensions, and Au Pair Appreciation Days
Connect with Other Host Families
Don’t do this experience alone! Come join our group on Facebook and CONNECT with other Pit Crew Families. Ask, learn and grow together as we share our experiences of being a host parent! We are part of a bigger world goal of being an ambassador and mentor to the next generation.Â
Educational Credits
Part of the J-1 visa, all au pairs must complete 6 credits or 72 hours of instruction at an accredited university or college within the year of their stay.
Plus virtual classes due to COVID-19. Of course always consult with your agency what is accepted.Â
More Resources
Below are even more resources to support you!Â
Also check out our Shop with Editable Downloads.
Set up Your profile and Show off Your Family
Save time and energy every time when you have to search for a new member to your caregiver team. With this 2 page example letter, make the perfect pitch to the potential caregiver or au pair. Competition is fierce to find the perfect match and finding the perfect fit that you would want to share your family experience. Don’t let the caregiver or au pair go to another family, show them your extraordinary family!
Time is Valuable...
Download a FREE
On-Boarding Checklist
Save time every time you onboard a new member to your caregiver team. With this 10 page guide – get your first two weeks under control faster and set up for the best year ever! Print it out and make it your own and see how the progress is going and developing.Â
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Ready to Join an AuPair Program?
Here is an affiliate link for APIA (Au Pair in America). Please note that you will save $150 using this link. I also do get a discount on my program fees.Â
Please see our disclaimer page for all the details on our affiliate links that are listed on our website.
Editable On-Boarding Checklist
Time is valuable and each year as busy parents onboard a new member to the family, there is so much knowledge that you have to transfer and so much information from safety to the culture of your family. Don’t miss the opportunity at the beginning to start on the best foot forward. This checklist has been modified and refined multiple times by host parents and parents on-boarding nannies. It includes an action packed agenda for the first two weeks to check on that progress.
Editable About My family Letter
Coming soon! Save time and energy every time when you have to search for a new member to your caregiver team. With this 2 page example letter, make the perfect pitch to the potential caregiver or au pair. Competition is fierce to find the perfect match and finding the perfect fit that you would want to share your family experience. Don’t let the caregiver or au pair go to another family, show them your extraordinary family!