Using an au pair as a form of childcare is very popular with a lot of families especially in the UK and the USA as it is very cost effective.
A number of mums have asked me about this option so I will outline what I know based on my experience and research. I have been using au pairs for Bionic for a while now in combination with her going to nursery.
Who Is An Au Pair?
According to wikipedia “an au pair (plural: au pairs) is a domestic assistant from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family.”
By law, an au pair is allowed to work 25 hours a week or 35 hours a week (this is called an au pair plus), with two full days off- Saturday and Sunday. Apart from helping with the children, they can help with light house work such vacuuming, ironing, tidying the home & washing up.
In the UK, an au pair is usually paid pocket money ranging from £60 to £120 or more a week, depending on the family’s requirements, hours and number of children.
A mother’s help is similar to an au pair however they are usually older, and more experienced with children. They are usually paid £100 to £150 a week.
How Do You Find An Au Pair?
There are three main ways to finding an au pair.
Using an au pair agency
Agencies will do all the legwork for you based on your criteria. They will source for the au pair, do CRB (criminal record bureau) check etc .
They send you a list of au pairs based on your requirements. You then get to interview them usually via phone or skype and make a selection.
Au pair agencies provide you an au pair for either 3 months, 6 months or a year. They are usually expensive however the advantage is that if you need a replacement they have to provide one at no extra cost.
Au pair websites
You can find au pairs yourself by registering on an au pair website such as Aupair world. They usually have thousands of au pairs looking for a family to host them. See it more like a matching service.
You browse through a list of au pairs based on some search criteria. When you are ready to start interviewing you pay a small fee for a period of time to access the au pairs’ details. You interview them via email, skype and/or phone.
The advantage is that it is cheaper and you are in control of the process with no middle man (agents). The disadvantage is that it might take a while to find the right person especially as the au pair must agree to match with you before you can begin interviewing. Also if there is a problem with the au pair when she comes you have to start searching from scratch.
Recommendation from another au pair or a host family.
Your last au pair or a family you know may refer an au pair to you. This option is usually good as it is very likely only trusted and reliable au pairs are recommended to you.
Things to Consider When Using An Au Pair
- Do you have a room to spare? Au pairs should have their own room. If you live in a 1 or 2 bed flat/house, using an au pair may not be the best option for you
- How private are you? Having a stranger move into your home, who will be in your face and become a part of your family may not be a palatable idea to you if you are very private person.
- You’ll need to ask for references, CRB check and do as much screening as possible. Take your time during this crucial step. Try to get a feel of your potential au pair’s personality and attitude towards children. Skype with or call her frequently.
- English competency- You need an au pair who can AT LEAST understand basic instructions in English and can communicate with you and with your little one especially in case of an emergency.
- Don’t overburden your au pair with housework. Remember the main aim is to help out with your little one and they need to not be distracted to achieve this.
- Don’t expect too much at first, there will be a learning curve whilst the au pair learns your little one’s routine. Also give allowance for the au pair to adjust to the new environment.
- Be prepared to drop in unannounced at home to see how the au pair and your little one get on.
Go with Your Instincts
When choosing an au pair you have to go with your instincts, after all this person is coming over to live in your home for a period of time. There are obviously advantages and disadvantage of using au pairs. However when you get the right match, using an au pair can be fun and provides a safe and nurturing environment for your children and flexibility for you.
Later on we will discuss the pros and cons of using an au pair.
