Au Pair: Patrizia Hansel from Germany
Host Family: Harris Family in Ohio
As I sit down to write to you to express why my aupair, Patrizia (Patty) Hansel should be selected "Au Pair of the Year", I cannot help but to remember all of my reservations on welcoming an au pair into my home for the first time. How would a young person from a different country not be overwhelmed by our family dynamics? Would she be able to drive? Would she be able to keep up with school? Would she be able to communicate with my children? And most of all would she be able to help my 8-year-old daughter with her many challenges; yet, give my 10-year-old son what he needs? Challenges… Yes, challenges. Challenges like unintelligible speech. Challenges using the “potty” independently. Challenges socializing with others. Challenges that affect every area of her life. For you see, Kortni is a special girl, full of laughter and joy. Yet neurological issues labeled “pervasive developmental delay” (similar to autism) affect her speech, motor control, sensory issues and socialization skills. Little did I know a young girl from Germany would be the answer to my prayer.
Patty and I first matched because she was transitioning from a family and I was finally persuaded to try an “au pair” out of desperation. My life was hectic to say the least. My prior babysitter had resigned. My husband was working out of state. Naturally, all of the responsibilities of raising the children (one with these special needs), working a demanding full-time position as an Attorney, and running the household shifted to my shoulders alone.
Patty entered our home with no formal special education training and hit the ground running. She started with organizing the family calendar with the numerous therapy (Speech, Occupational, Aquatics, and ABA tutoring) and doctor appointments. She visited Kortni’s school to see what interventions were used to implement them at home. She voluntarily attended Kortni’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting with her schoolteachers, therapist, and administrators. She also met with Kortni’s previous babysitter to ensure a smooth transition. She quickly began to organize the kids’ belongings. She immediately obtained her drivers license and learn to get to therapy appointments. This was a great help to me as a working mother.
She learned how to get the best out of Kortni, while managing aggressive behaviors. I marvel at her patience and stick-to-itiveness. Nothing seems to frazzle her. Often, I come home and Patty is practicing horn therapy, flashcards, or playing with a babydoll. Patty constantly encourages Kortni giving her rewards of praise and the attention she enjoys. Yet, she doesn’t allow her to get away with not using her work approximations. She pushes her to increase her self help skills such as putting on her own clothes and shoes.
Kortni enjoys Patty often grabbing her hand and telling her to “sit down and do cards”. Kortni has developed greatly working with Patty. Patty also accompanies us on trips, due to my work assignments. We have traveled to DC (7 hours), Myrtle Beach (13 hours), and flew to California just before Christmas. I could not have traveled that far without Patty. All these things are just to help Kortni.
Collin is a gifted child with a knack for athletics. While juggling all of Kortni’s demands, Patty makes sure that Collin is attended to as well. She teaches him how to cook, speak German words, and play games. Collin’s favorite is monopoly. Collin also loves to shop and see movies. Patty keeps up with his social schedule for birthday parties, baseball and saxophone practice and the like. The most exciting thing for Collin is to entertain his best friends at our house. Patty often invites Collin’s friends over, and ensure that Kortni doesn’t “get in the way” of her big brother. Patty also invites Collin’s friends to join them on their excursions throughout the city.
Overall Patty is a Godsend. My husband and I are able to date each other again. It’s one of the fringe benefits. I have heard that the divorce rate for parents of special needs children is even higher than those of typical kids. With the stresses that a disability brings, I’m not surprised. Now, my husband and I can go out and not worry about our kids—keeping our bond intact. Not only do both children feel special in my home, but also so does mom! I can concentrate on spending the quality time with my husband and kids without being stressed out about the urgent but not important tasks that Patty takes off my plate. Patty has already committed to extend beyond her first year. I am one happy and “less stressed” mom.
Patty and I first matched because she was transitioning from a family and I was finally persuaded to try an “au pair” out of desperation. My life was hectic to say the least. My prior babysitter had resigned. My husband was working out of state. Naturally, all of the responsibilities of raising the children (one with these special needs), working a demanding full-time position as an Attorney, and running the household shifted to my shoulders alone.
Patty entered our home with no formal special education training and hit the ground running. She started with organizing the family calendar with the numerous therapy (Speech, Occupational, Aquatics, and ABA tutoring) and doctor appointments. She visited Kortni’s school to see what interventions were used to implement them at home. She voluntarily attended Kortni’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting with her schoolteachers, therapist, and administrators. She also met with Kortni’s previous babysitter to ensure a smooth transition. She quickly began to organize the kids’ belongings. She immediately obtained her drivers license and learn to get to therapy appointments. This was a great help to me as a working mother.
She learned how to get the best out of Kortni, while managing aggressive behaviors. I marvel at her patience and stick-to-itiveness. Nothing seems to frazzle her. Often, I come home and Patty is practicing horn therapy, flashcards, or playing with a babydoll. Patty constantly encourages Kortni giving her rewards of praise and the attention she enjoys. Yet, she doesn’t allow her to get away with not using her work approximations. She pushes her to increase her self help skills such as putting on her own clothes and shoes.
Kortni enjoys Patty often grabbing her hand and telling her to “sit down and do cards”. Kortni has developed greatly working with Patty. Patty also accompanies us on trips, due to my work assignments. We have traveled to DC (7 hours), Myrtle Beach (13 hours), and flew to California just before Christmas. I could not have traveled that far without Patty. All these things are just to help Kortni.
Collin is a gifted child with a knack for athletics. While juggling all of Kortni’s demands, Patty makes sure that Collin is attended to as well. She teaches him how to cook, speak German words, and play games. Collin’s favorite is monopoly. Collin also loves to shop and see movies. Patty keeps up with his social schedule for birthday parties, baseball and saxophone practice and the like. The most exciting thing for Collin is to entertain his best friends at our house. Patty often invites Collin’s friends over, and ensure that Kortni doesn’t “get in the way” of her big brother. Patty also invites Collin’s friends to join them on their excursions throughout the city.
Overall Patty is a Godsend. My husband and I are able to date each other again. It’s one of the fringe benefits. I have heard that the divorce rate for parents of special needs children is even higher than those of typical kids. With the stresses that a disability brings, I’m not surprised. Now, my husband and I can go out and not worry about our kids—keeping our bond intact. Not only do both children feel special in my home, but also so does mom! I can concentrate on spending the quality time with my husband and kids without being stressed out about the urgent but not important tasks that Patty takes off my plate. Patty has already committed to extend beyond her first year. I am one happy and “less stressed” mom.
