A change of families occurs when au pairs terminate their stay with their host family and transfer to a new family's home. Au pairs mostly change host families if they wish to stay in their host country for a little longer, but their stay at their present host family's home is due to end. However, sometimes au pairs change families for more problematic reasons: for example, if they find they don't get along with their host families due to irreconcilable differences. If an au pair placement is to be terminated before the intended due date, both parties should communicate their intention early enough. In this context, both should abide by the notice period agreed upon in their contract. In most cases, there is a two weeks' notice period.

In general, au pairs and host families manage the change cooperatively. This means that the families help their au pairs find a new family, and vice versa. Should the au pairs have entered their host country on a visa, they should contact the appropriate government authority together with their host families. Thus, both can ensure that the au pairs will be further entitled to legal residence in the country.

Our suggestions:

• Talking really helps! Many problems and misunderstandings can be avoided if host families and au pairs talk things over right from the start.
   
• Help each other! If a change of au pairs or families is imminent, both parties should help each other find a new au pair and host family.

More information concerning this topic:

Question of the week: Changing families: What does Aupair World suggest?
Question of the week: I want to terminate my contract, what needs to be considered?

Related links:

Host countries
Au pair stories
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