Igualada is a small town in Barcelona, Spain, with not much tourist there. It’s my first
time being an au pair, a low paying nanny job. I should say ‘‘pocket money’’. It’s a
good chance to stay with the locals , enjoy different cultures, languages,
experiences, and the way to teach, raise the kid. Because I didn’t have enough
budget for Europe trip for three months. So It was a good opportunity to try it. But, I
had never thought that I was such “lucky” though.
The first time experience to be an au pair was horrible. Probably won’t do it
anymore. When I tried to find a host on the internet, it was okay, the host dad
wanted to have a big sister for his kids. The first day was great, the kids showed me
around their house, garden, and we made pizza together. But in the end of dinner
kids said’’ we are rich because we have a big house. And you can drink Sangria as
much as you want. Because it’s FREE.” I didn’t feel good when they told me in that
way. Although I am not rich, you shouldn’t treat people like this. It’s kind of show off.
One day, the kids said” I want to play football with you.” And I replied “sorry, I can’t.
I don’t feel good today because during the period. And I forgot to bring painkiller.”
BUT, the kids said” No, you HAVE TO play with me.” And even they complained to
their dad. Which surprised me was their dad said” you have to play with my kids!!”
And he knew I was in the bad condition at that day. What can I say…
Okay, I shouldn’t complain anymore. After few days as an au pair ,I noticed that
when their parents tried to teach kids, the kids usually didn’t listen or just screaming.
And kids didn’t behave well. They sometimes pretend doing sex or blow job. Or even
touch girl’s boobs or hip. I don’t know does kid be so naughty nowadays, or it’s not
normal. So I tried to talk to their parents about this. And suggested them to talk with
kid’s teacher, to know how their behaver in school is. Maybe we can correct kids as
soon as possible. I even asked some of my friend about how to teach kids or face this
kind of problem. I am not a professional au pair neither know how to teach kids, but
at least I tried. Do you believe what did their dad reply me? He said” they are my
kids, I can’t change their brain, I can’t throw them out from the window. One kid is
one problem, and makes me headache. If I know they will become this, then I won’t
have them. So I am waiting for one day when they turn 18, then I can kick them out.
“
I was very shocked when I heard that, and thought about how silly I was trying to
change something. I thought I just be a nice au pair and do what I should do for that
period of time would be good enough.
The au pair work schedule made me so exhausted, I started to work from 7:30am
until 9:15PM, although the job wasn’t so hard, also I didn’t work all the time. But the
free-time was separated by multiple work-time. And where I can go was limited,
because I had to come back on time for work, and they lived in the suburb which the
public transportation was inconvenience. I should use to get used to it, because not
everywhere is convenience as Taiwan.
One of my job was prepare food for kids. Although I know how to cook(but not good
at cooking><), I was not familiar with Spanish ingredients and their kitchen. Their
dad told me “ You can ask kids what they want to eat for dinner. Use your brain to
think what is good for kids. Your brain isn’t full of marshmallow.” I tried to make
some Taiwanese dish, but kids didn’t like . They even didn’t want to try. Just make
yuck face, and said “what is that? Who will eat this kind of food?” Which made me