Au pairs are live-in childcare providers who provide childcare and light household duties in exchange for room, board, and a weekly stipend. They can assist with meal preparation, pick up children from school or activities and help to calm the occasional temper tantrum.
They also introduce the children to their culture through traditional songs, stories, and cuisine.
They Will Help Your Child Learn a New Language
An au pair is a young person who works abroad in exchange for room and board and a weekly stipend. It’s essential to know first about au pairs before hiring them. They help care for children of any age, calming tantrums, helping with homework and arts & crafts, getting kids ready for bedtime or naptime, making meals, transporting them to practices, games, or lessons, and more.
They can also introduce your child to their home country’s language, traditions, arts, and more. Many au pairs strongly desire to integrate into their host family’s life and will work hard to learn about your lifestyle, habits, values, and more.
When interviewing an au pair, consider how well they communicate and how confident they are around kids. Ask them how they might handle a difficult situation when your child is upset or has a meltdown, and look for answers that demonstrate their ability to remain calm, empathetic, and patient in stressful situations. You should also ensure the au pair has practical time management skills and can adjust their schedule.
They Will Help Your Child Develop Social Skills
As an au pair lives in your home with your children, she gets to know them quite intimately. Au pairs often make the children feel comfortable and safe, allowing them to open up about their day-to-day lives, hobbies, and interests.
Because au pairs come from different cultures, they can teach your children about their homelands. This cultural exposure can encourage your children to be more inclusive of others and foster a deep respect for diversity.
Parents should look for candidates who discuss how they use positive discipline techniques and explain their child-raising strategies. Additionally, parents should ask candidates how they handle medical emergencies and other challenges that may arise while the au pair is caring for their children. They should expect the candidate to describe a calm and proactive approach that includes calling appropriate medical professionals, notifying parents, and following emergency protocols that the family has established. Additionally, parents should ask candidates about their knowledge of first aid and CPR.
They Will Help Your Child Develop Independence
Unlike daycare, au pairs live in your home, meaning they can be available to get the kids ready for school or drop them off at their extracurricular activities. That can make it easier for parents to run out and grab a coffee or a quick lunch if needed.
Au pairs also help their host families save money on childcare costs. They’re paid one salary for all of the children in the household, whereas daycare typically charges per child.
Finally, au pairs provide cultural exposure for the entire family. This can inspire children to become more inclusive of different people and cultures. Research shows that children who speak two languages are more tolerant of others and have more excellent working language skills than those who do not.
However, it’s important to remember that, just like with any childcare provider, there are pros and cons to hosting an au pair. Some au pairs may feel mistreated or have trouble adjusting to the family’s schedule. If you think an au pair isn’t a good match, discussing your concerns with the agency you hire is always a good idea.
They Will Help Your Child Develop Confidence
Most au pairs have never lived away from their home country before, and they’ll likely feel homesick regularly. However, many parents find comfort in knowing their au pair is a family member they can talk to about their feelings.
Since au pairs are young adults, they’re generally excited about exploring their new country and interacting with the people they meet. They’ll also be looking for a sense of community and support as they go through the au pair program, so they’re happy to join their host families on outings, holidays, and other activities.
They’re also happy to be considered a family member and take pride in their role. As such, they’re more than willing to prepare the kids for school in the morning or take them to music lessons or soccer practice. This can help them feel empowered and confident, especially if they hear positive feedback from their hosts about what they do well.
They Will Help Your Child Develop Self-Discipline
An au pair is often more intimately involved with your family than a regular nanny or daycare worker. They will eat most meals with the kids and spend quality time with them outside of work. This makes it essential for them to get along with the children and establish a bond of trust.
An agency can help you find the right au pair for your family. They will screen the candidates with online assessments, check references, and do background checks. They will also provide basic first aid and CPR training to ensure your au pair is prepared for emergencies.
When interviewing an au pair, ask how she would discipline a child who misbehaves or is defiant. Look for answers that include strategies like positive reinforcement, redirection, and establishing clear boundaries. Also, look for an au pair fluent in your language and understands your family’s routine and values well. This will make her understanding and communicating with the children easier.
