Are you thinking about hiring an au pair? Here is an overview for potential host families.
Particularly in the summer months when schools are closed, parents again and again find themselves with childcare difficulties. One option for long-term childcare is hiring an au pair.
Looking for an au pair? Connect with potential au pairs from around the world now.
What does ‘au pair’ mean?
An au pair is a person, generally between the ages of 18 and 30, who goes abroad to engage in a cultural experience and provide childcare assistance. Typically, they will live with the host family for the duration of their stay. The host family is obliged to provide accommodation, food and pocket money. In return, the au pair takes care of the children and does some light housework.
Ideally, the au pair will be accepted as a member of the family by their hosts. This relationship often enriches the lives of both the au pair and the family through the sharing of each other’s culture and language.
The au pair should receive two days off per week. They can also attend a language course for several hours a week. There are different guidelines depending on the host country but, generally, au pairs should not work more than six hours a day and 30 hours a week.
Becoming a host family
Families with one or more children under the age of 18 should be eligible to be host families. All host families must have a spare private bedroom for the au pair. The au pair must have her own space and not share a bedroom with the children.
While it is important for families to remember that au pairs are not the same as qualified, full-time nannies, they can provide a huge assistance to families with one or multiple children. Before they arrive, discuss their working hours and routine so they know what to expect. The au pair will become the first point of contact for your children when you or another parent are working or unavailable.
Finding an au pair
There are a number of ways for host families to find an au pair. Firstly, they can recruit the help of a specific au pair agency. Secondly, families can look around themselves by asking friends or using online services such as Care.com. With Care.com, families have the opportunity to present themselves with a detailed profile and to contact au pair applicants. Potential au pairs also have the ability to contact you.
Costs for the host family
Host families need to be sure that they can afford to hire an au pair before they commit to one. Au pairs in New Zealand are entitled to minimum wage as they have the same legal status as regular employees. The minimum wage in New Zealand is $17.70 NZD per hour as of 1 April 2019. The family must have the adequate insurance to cover the au pair during her stay.
Interview with host family
Lena and Armin have had three Spanish au pairs stay with them over the last few years. It has proven to be an enriching experience for everyone involved. They are both very busy and wanted loving, attentive care in the afternoons for their daughter, Lisa.
Q: How did you prepare for the au pairs (linguistically, accommodations, etc.)?
A: Since both of us speak fluent English and our child understands Spanish quite well, we did not need to prepare much for language. The au pair has her own room which we have nicely decorated so that it feels comfortable and like she is part of our family.
Q: What experience have you had with your au pairs so far?
A: Overall, very good. In some cases, real friendships were formed that lasted after the au pair’s time with us. Above all, it is important that person moving in has similar values and ideas as you, despite any age difference.
Q: What advantages does au pair childcare have?
A: You are much more flexible in your job and always have someone who can take care of your child in an emergency. You are relaxed going to work and not constantly rushing to daycare and back. That is probably the biggest relief for us. Even if our child is ill, we can always refer to our au pair.
Q: Does your au pair live with you like another family member?
A: Absolutely. The au pair, who has been with us for a full year, has become a true family member and a very close caregiver for our child.
Q: Would you recommend choosing an au pair to other families?
A: If they are very busy professionally, definitely. But, it can be difficult as the au pairs change after a year and the children constantly have new caregivers.
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