Why Au Pair Exchange Programs Are the Best Childcare Solution
Au Pairs can give families more time to themselves. They provide flexible in-home childcare and live-in support for an affordable rate.
They also help kids learn about foreign cultures and languages through shared experiences. This exposure encourages kids to be open-minded and accepting of others.
With a specialized au pair agency, you know your caretaker has been carefully screened. Local coordinators are also available for any issues that may arise.
Less Stress
Au pairs work on a schedule that works best for your family. They can care for your children during the weeknights and weekends when you need them most. Au pairs can also help with some household chores, making it more affordable than hiring a nanny or daycare.
Since au pairs come from different countries, they will bring their unique cultural perspectives to your home. Whether it be new foods, traditions, or languages, your whole family will gain a new perspective and appreciation for the world around them.
As the host family, you will be in charge of helping your au pair feel comfortable during their year. You will be responsible for inviting them on family outings, including them on holidays, and offering comfort during homesickness. You must build a relationship with your au pair, which can only happen when you spend time with them. This will help them to relax and become more confident in their role at your home. You will also find out what activities they enjoy the most and plan future excursions together.
More Flexibility
The Au Pair Program allows families to find affordable live-in childcare that fits their schedules. Au Pairs receive room, board, and a weekly stipend for 45 hours of child care per week. This allows them to travel, learn English, and experience a new culture while accessing affordable, flexible childcare.
In addition, the au pair exchange program facilitates cultural exchange by allowing young individuals to live with a host family abroad and providing childcare assistance in exchange for room, board, and cultural immersion.
Families can use their Au Pair’s flexibility to schedule date nights, work dinners, gym classes, and more! This is an advantage over nannies, who typically are tied to the family’s schedule.
Au Pairs can leave their host families anytime, but many choose to stay with their Host Families as long as possible. This builds a strong relationship that often lasts even after their year abroad.
Less Illness
Au pairs share their culture by exposing children to new languages, traditions, and experiences. Children often form close bonds with their au pair and remember her long after the program year is over.
In addition to childcare, au pairs help with household tasks like laundry, preparing meals, and tidying toys. This allows parents to spend quality time with their children after work at home.
While many kinds of child care offer in-home childcare, only some are as vetted and experienced as au pairs. Host families can access extensive profiles detailing an au pair’s previous childcare experience and complete background and reference checks.
Families can also select an au pair based on their language, cultural preferences, and other filters. This provides a more personalized experience and allows them to find an au pair that perfectly matches their family.
More Culture
In French, au pair means “on par” or “equal to.” An au pair is a foreign exchange visitor who lives with a host family while providing child care services up to 45 hours per week in exchange for room and board.
Being a part of the Au Pair Program provides families with a fantastic opportunity to explore a different culture firsthand. This allows you to teach your children about other countries, languages, and traditions. Your kids will love it! Introducing your Au Pair to your family’s culture and customs is also fun.
Many Host Families say this is one of the best parts of hosting an Au Pair. Watching your visitors try new foods, learn to cook, and discover how families do everyday things is so much fun. You’ll also be able to explain why they do certain things, such as keeping caffeinated beverages away from children! This will help them better prepare to return home and share their experience with family members.
More Money
The term “au pair” comes from the French meaning “on equal terms.” During the program, the au pair and host family treat each other as equals. Au pairs provide childcare and light housekeeping for the children in their host families in exchange for room and board.
Most host families feel that their au pairs are a great asset to their families. Host families value the added help with childcare and highly value establishing a life-long friendship with their au pairs. Au pairs love the experience of living with a family, learning about culture and traditions, and gaining new skills. They also enjoy sharing food, stories, pictures, music, and recipes from their homeland.
As a result, au pairs cost significantly less than the equivalent of a full-time, professionally trained nanny. However, au pair agencies have found that some families are priced out of the program when wages increase above a state minimum wage. When the cost increases, some families may decide it is not worth the hassle and expense of finding and vetting a new au pair.
