I am Monique, from the beautiful South Africa! I’m 21 years old and am currently working as a waitress in Paarl and did Level 4 Early Childhood Development at Edu Build Institute and am currently in the process of getting my certification. I’m living with my mother, father and pet dog and my home language is Afrikaans and my second language is English. My interest includes reading, baking, volunteering and taking walks at the beach. I enjoy reading books, listening to podcasts and I love to sing even though I cannot sing. Normally I would write a lengthy paragraph about why I’m all these great things and often leads to me questioning myself, but I’m not questioning myself nor am I lying when I say I am respectfull, I am trust-worthy, I’m responsible, I’m authentic, I’m reliable, I’m adaptable, I am disciplined, I am considerate and I always strive to give to give my best but I’m also human, which means I’m faulty and I make mistakes! Sometimes I can be hard on myself to keep myself disciplined and sane and that always insured that my tasks and duties are done and taken care of before I give myself the grace for what I’m doing and how far I’ve come, something that I always tell myself is that that “you won’t always be motivated, that why you have to be disciplined”. I found my love for kids when I was 14 years old, when a friend and I started organising pageants in my home community. It was my role to pick up the kids from their homes, and help them put together dance routines and help them with catwalks. I would always encourage them to bring their books or whatever homework they have, and help them through it. On Sunday afternoons we would have fun family days and put together fun activities and we’d also get the parents involved and sometimes the parents would also get the us, the organisers involved! During that time I realised how rewarding it is to witness a childs growth and also the impact of the projects in the children’s lives, their parents lives and also the beauty when a community comes together to celebrate each other but mostly the kids and their future. And ever since, I’d always say that working with kids fuels the soul. Mid last year I tutored my little cousin after school, with mathematics, literacy and life skills. I’ve recently started working as a volunteer at Little Footprints nursery & pre-school. As a team, it’s our duty to insure that all of the kids daily needs are met. From feeding their porridge in the morning, changing the diapers, keeping them active and intertained through dancing, singing and playing to putting them to bed while staying in routine and ensuring that the environment is a safe and clean space. I see this as a rewarding opportunity to work with children and working at the crèche while expanding my community. I don’t see myself doing anything other than working with children. I am a fun and loving person and have what I would call a “childlike spirit/personality” because I always find the joy and enjoyment in the little things and moments. For instance, my colleague buying me a snack and I would always get super excited like it’s the best thing in the world, for the smallest things even if it’s not the first time doing or receiving it, I am truly grateful. I’d say my love language is gift giving, so I always show appreciation through gift giving and spending time together and always find it so shocking when somebody does the same. I think I’m more of a listener than a talker, I definitely love giving my opinion and my view on things and how I feel about things or a situation. I’m very shy and reserved and even though I’m not very social and i don’t get to see my extended family and friends as much but I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and am always the arranging reunions. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen with my mother baking, and would always say “we have a catering business” even if we were just baking brownies. I really enjoy baking or just being in the kitchen even if I’m not skilled or know what I’m doing, I think the best time to connect is around the kitchen table. Even if I spend time baking with my mother I think my father and I are closer. I’m the youngest and only daughter with 2 older brothers, my father does engineering, so I would always sit in our yard with a welding helmet on, watching my father and my brothers work on weekends. Some of my childhood memories include following my brothers wherever they are going, and them teaching me how to ride a bicycle and piggyback rides to the shop and back home. In my spare time, i also enjoy spending time with my godchildren, Riano and Leanke, taking them to the park or on dates. I do believe that au pairing is an amazing opportunity to learn new things, learn new skills, learning about a new culture, improving my English skills also learning a 3rd language and experiencing the different way of celebrating holidays and the different seasons throughout the year. I want to be part of your childs life to help them grow, develop and thrive in every aspect and phase of their lives. I am also happy to help with light household duties and want to create beautiful memories through exploring, listen to their stories and keep them active. I would love to live with a loving, kind and respectful host family. I’m want a family who values honesty, integrity and respect, who would enjoy embarking on this wonderful opportunity of becoming a first time au pair with me. Kind regards, Monique