Ultimate Au Pair 2017 Finalist: Thando from South Africa

Thando has been a complete blessing to our family. She arrived the day our baby, Cole, was born (not by plan... but due to bad storms, flight delays and an early baby arrival!), and immediately stepped into her role as part of the family. Her smile fills up the room as soon as she walks in, and her energy and ability to engage the kids is amazing. Our days are full of singing, playing, painting and going to the park. She coordinates play dates and movie nights with the other kids on the street, and our doorbell is constantly ringing with friends stopping by to play. It is not unusual for us to get pictures while we are out on a date night of the kids cuddled on the couch with half the neighborhood eating popcorn or having a dance party in the family room.

The joy she brings to our home, and to our kids eyes, is truly priceless. She gives 100% to the kids when she is with them, and then 100% to our home and their care when they are napping or asleep. She took it upon herself to start making the baby food for Cole (only his favorites!) and disinfecting the toys on a weekly basis (on top of the daily tidying/cleaning!). She truly treats our kids, and our home, as hers. She is not only the Ultimate Au Pair, she is an amazing person, and has become a true friend. She is worldly, and hearing about her experience with teaching children, sharing her perspective on South African history and culture, and understanding religious similarities and differences has brought new perspective to our family and parenting.

Our only wish is that she could be ours forever, and we thank her family for sharing her with us for this experience.