Some of my facebook followers have asked me about my experience with having an AuPair, so here's the run down....
What is an AuPair?
An AuPair is a young person (generally female, but there are male AuPairs too) who lives with a family to help look after the children. AuPairs generally go to a different country so that they experience a different lifestyle and learn a new language, but they can also be an AuPair in their own country.
Why did we choose the AuPair option?
I returned to full-time work in March which involves a 9.00-5.30 job as well as commuting time from the suburbs to the city each day. Our options for childcare were a nanny, after-school care, and an AuPair. Why we chose the AuPair because:
* they are alot cheaper than the other options
* they live in your home so there's no rushed drop off and pick ups to after-school care
* they help out with child-related chores such as the children's laundry (including sheets and towels)
* they prepare meals for your children
* they can help with babysitting in the evening
* your children learn about a different culture and a little bit of their language
* they can help look after your child when they are sick and can't go to school. Our policy is that the AuPair looks after our daughters if they have a temperature or something mild, but if it's serious or disgusting (eg vomit) then my husband or I will look after the child
* they can help out during school holidays
* they can help with driving your children, if you're OK with that (we always choose someone who is at least 21 years old so they can drive our daughters to after-school activities. I would prefer someone with a few years of driving experience.)
* they can act as a 'big sister' which is nice for my girls
* they can help with homework and listen to my youngest daughter read her homework books. By the third child, I'm well and truly over 'home reader' books!
Having an AuPair isn't for everyone. There are a few things to consider:
* you need to have a spare bedroom for the AuPair
* you will have a stranger living with you who may hang around you all the time (luckily our AuPairs have found friends pretty quickly and go out most weekends)
* they will eat most meals with you or your children, so you need to be comfortable sharing your table every day
* they don't stay for too long, normally around 3-9 months (our last girl was 4.5 months, the latest girl is here for 6 months) so you need to go through the recruitment/screening process regularly
* you also need to train the new AuPair how to use all the appliances in your house, show them the routines etc. This is tiring when the new girl arrives, but it's a small price to pay for a smooth-running household
* they may not speak English very well so you might have some language problems
* I've heard stories of AuPairs who were miserable or suffered depression so you may need to help them with this. I've also heard of one girl who got pregnant! If you find a smart person who seems independent and confident then it should work out fine.
How do you find an AuPair?
You can pay an agency to find an AuPair for you, however we have used a website called
AuPair World. You pay a fee (39 euros) and you can contact any of the AuPairs who have registered on the site. You also create a profile that explains you, your family, what hours are required, what tasks are expected etc. You can contact the AuPairs by sending messages to them and showing them your profile, then if you think they have potential you arrange a phone call or skype call. It's also advisable to ask for references from employers, teachers, church minsters, Girl Guide leaders etc.
My philosophy was to pay abit more than the average and provide them with a lovely room with television, lots of cupboard/drawer space and wireless internet access. That way we would hopefully attract the good AuPairs. Don't forget that the good ones will be able to pick and choose who they live with so it's worthwhile providing nice conditions for them.
There is no contract between the host family and the AuPair so you just hope that they are true to their word and will arrive when they say they will!
How much does it cost?
Every family is different but our arrangement is for the AuPair to help out on the workday mornings from 7.30am till 9.00am then the girls go to school. In the afternoon my girls walk home from school and the AuPair helps out at 3.30-7.00pm. This works out to be 25 hours a week, plus we add 5 hours a week for babysitting. For 30 hours of help we give the AuPair $200. This may seem pretty cheap but don't forget they are getting a bedroom and all meals.
The money that you give them is considered "pocket money" and doesn't go through the tax system. That also means that there is no childcare rebates, but they are much more affordable than other childcare options so I don't mind.
The AuPair is responsible for paying for their air ticket and it's also recommended that they take out travel insurance for any medical emergencies.
The only other cost we have noticed is a slightly higher grocery bill and an extra $30 a month as we add the AuPair to the insurance for my car.
What is a demi-AuPair?
I don't know anyone who has used a demi-AuPair but basically they are students who help out about 15 hours each week in exchange for full room and board (ie, you don't pay them any money).
I hope that answers most of your questions!
Susan x
