The benefits of having an au pair that you will notice straight away.
Are you thinking about hiring an au pair? Here are the advantages that you will immediately notice once you welcome the newest addition into your home.
1. More time for you
Having an au pair in your home means having an extra set of hands to help out. This will create free time for you. Now you can tend to any work-related or leisurely activities that have been previously neglected. Has the same book been sitting on your bedside table untouched for months? Well, now you have a chance to read it!
2. Flexible
When you hire an au pair you can tailor their schedule to suit your needs. If you need flexible hours for your job, you can organise your au pair’s schedule to allow for that. However, it is important to note that au pairs are expected to work between 25-38 hours per week, including babysitting. Typically, au pairs help getting the kids ready in the morning and home in the evening and have their afternoons free for language class or sightseeing. It is best to agree on the au pair’s schedule before they arrive at your home, so you both know what hours they will be working.
3. Less household chores
While an au pair is not to be mistaken for a housekeeper or cleaner, they can be expected to help out with light housework which will reduce your workload.
4. Learn about a new culture
Au pairs are typically from a different country or are a different nationality than their host family. This provides a great opportunity for you to learn about the culture in which they came from. Your kids might even pick up some phrases in a new language!
5. Save money on childcare
While au pairs do not work for free, they are much more cost-effective than conventional childcare. Au pairs in Australia are entitled to the national minimum wage and host families can deduct the cost of their room and board from this.
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