An Au Pair Is A Young Adult From Another Country Who Lives With Your Family And Provides In-Home Childcare In Exchange For The Opportunity To Live With An American Family.
What is an Au Pair?
An Au Pair is a young adult from another country who lives with your family, typically for 1 year, and provides in-home childcare and light housework and in exchange receives room and board, as well as spending money.
Should you hire an Au Pair?
Pros of a live-in Au Pair
• having a registered and trained young person available when you need them, who also exposes your children to another culture and can become part of the family
• the emotional security of knowing your child is in a stable child care environment
• having an additional member of the family who can discuss concerns, problems, successes and supports your child’s achievements
• an extra ‘hand’ to help do those little things like letting the dog in and out that really make a difference in the time you are able to spend with your child
• an inexpensive, flexible live-in childcare option: An international au pair may cost less than you imagine – no matter how many children you have -- and is more affordable than a live-in nanny or a live-out nanny
• au pairs love children and enjoy spending time with them.
• opportunities for your au pair to network with other au pairs
Cons of a live-in Au Pair
• sharing your home with someone includes giving up on some aspects of privacy
• The child not getting the socialization with other kids that comes from being in a daycare
• Parents worry they won't be compatible with their live-in Au Pair and the process involved in re-matching with a new one
Kristy Brown, an Au Pair from South Africa says, “It has been the best experience of my life! They were really a great family and I loved spending time with them and being with them. Since day one I was very comfortable and fit in well with them. I was always included.”
Tips on preparing for your Au Pair
Once you have made the decision to hire an Au Pair, here are some steps to take to ensure the transition is a smooth one:
• Provide a warm, comfortable and inviting room for your au pair
• Learn a little about the culture and country your au pair is coming from
• If they are old enough to understand, prepare your children in advance by telling them that someone is going to be living in the house to take care of them while mommy and daddy are at work.
Sarah McNamara is a full time working mom with one 18 month old and one more on the way. A member of Au Pair Care since 2006, she is currently the Director of Matching and New Products. She has had the opportunity to live abroad and has hosted two au pairs herself. She says, “Hosting an au pair has made life easier for me and my family. The convenience of having an au pair in my home means I have more time and less stress.” She adds, “I’m not rushing to and from a daycare center to pick up my daughter when I go to work or worrying that she isn’t getting enough one-on-one attention. And because the au pair works flexible hours, my husband and I have a regular date night each week – without ever worrying about finding a babysitter!”
What are you waiting for?
Planning ahead can make the transition easier for everyone. Kids do best when they have solid, reliable people looking after them on a regular basis. The rewards of participating in an au pair program can been great and benefits both the family and the au pair in many ways. By working together your au pair can become one of the family -- everyone benefits from this culturally enriching experience.
For more information on hosting an au pair, check out this website http://www.aupaircare.com/
More info on childcare options:
- Should you stay home with baby or go back to work?
- Affordable childcare options for baby
- How to find and keep a good nanny
- What if your child seems to like the nanny more than you?
