Why use an Au Pair

Recently I wrote a post about using an au pair as your childcare solution. I’m following up on that post with an interview I did with a Mom who has used au pairs.

Recently I wrote a post about using an au pair as your childcare solution. I’m following up on that post with an interview I did with a Mom who has used au pairs.

Me: Why did you use an au pair over other programs?

Au Pair Mom: I hadn’t planned on going back to work but with triplets it was a necessity. Trying to get 4 kids (3 of whom are triplets) ready for daycare each morning seemed like quite a challenge. I liked the alternative an au pair presented my kids could still be at work while I worked.

Me: What can an au pair do what is asking too much?

Au Pair Mom: Consider the au pair as part of the family. They should clean up after themselves and be assigned chores as a household member. Remember they are not a maid but a member of the family. They can help get kids ready in the morning, do some grocery shopping, pick up kids after school and help shuttle them to after school activities.

Me: What kind of training does an au pair have?

Au Pair Mom: Some are teachers with pre-school or kindergarten experience. The federally recognized agencies provide training for their au pairs. This includes a week of childcare training, cultural differences and first aide.

Me: How are vacations handled?

Au Pair Mom: An au pair gets 2 weeks vacation in a year. They are asked not to take them consecutively. The au pair gets to select the best week for her and the family selects the second week.

Au Pair Mom: The au pair experience is a wonderful opportunity for your children. For more information visit my blog at http://euraupair.blogspot.com .