There are many types of child care to consider when thinking about hiring an extra set of hands. Some families find that a Mother’s Helper is a good fit, while others decide that a regular babysitter is better. Still others decide that a professional nanny is the right choice. Another popular option, especially in a weak economy, is to hire an AuPair. While many families avoid this option due to a lack of information or the relative absence of this type of childcare provider in their immediate social circle, there can be many benefits to hiring an AuPair over a traditional nanny. Of course, on the other hand, there can also be negative aspects of hiring an AuPair. To get a better idea of whether it’s a good fit for you, learn what to expect.
First of all, most AuPairs are not professional childcare providers. Most are simply young women, and occasionally men, who have some childcare experience or with younger siblings looking for a cultural experience abroad. For this reason, it is much more practical to hire an AuPair for slightly older children and stay with an experienced babysitter. While the cost of a babysitter is probably much higher than the cost of keeping an Au Pair, the amount of experience and trust that both the family and the childcare employee will have will be worth it in the end.
That said, a lack of professional experience can make an AuPair a more fun addition to the family than an employee. The children will have the experience of bonding with an older person who is closer to their age than mum and dad, and can form sibling-like relationships with the AuPair. For those looking to expose their children to new cultures or even new languages, having an AuPair can be a valuable experience for your entire family. In fact, since the average AuPair term is only one year, many families mention that one of the most difficult aspects is saying goodbye after a year of strong bonding, especially for children. Therefore, a nanny may be a better fit for any family looking for long-term stability.
That said, while most AuPairs are respectful and helpful, there can also be instances where the AuPair can be a negative influence on their children, especially a young person with little regard for their house rules. This does not mean that the AuPair is a bad person, it is probably a side effect of being in a strange country with strange customs for an extended period of time, for the first time in the young person’s life. The best way to avoid such a mishap is to work with a trusted AuPair or Nanny agency to get a well-selected candidate. Otherwise, the family may feel like they have an extra ‘child’ to care for, rather than an extra caring adult.
Finally, the cost-benefit of hiring an AuPair is attractive for many families. The average nanny salary is much higher than the small spending money stipend given to most AuPairs. Instead, AuPairs are generally compensated with room and board. An AuPair is also expected to complete a lot more housework than a nanny. While a nanny may agree to help around the house, this will likely result in an increase in the nanny’s salary. The real costs of keeping an AuPair may be hidden in things like increased electricity bills, grocery bills, or internet and phone bills. Remember that an AuPair will be a member of your household for the duration of your stay, so consider carefully whether or not her family is willing to make the necessary adjustments to invite that guest into their home.
