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It can be hard to find the best childcare option for your family. Parents might worry about finding a solution that can help their children to blossom or one that can accommodate their irregular schedules.
Traditional childcare options (such as nannies and daycares) can sometimes create more problems than solutions. Parents are often overwhelmed by arranging transportation, finding an alternative when a child is sick, or having to work around a daycare's hours which may not match a work schedule.
For these reasons and more, getting an au pair may be the easier solution you need. One host family reported, "before we even realized we wanted our au pair experience — we came to the realization that to send our 6-month-old to a daycare, it was going to take almost a nine-month wait! If we hadn’t found Sandra, we would have had to postpone starting our jobs."
An au pair can give your family a live-in, cultural and educational experience for your children. These vetted caregivers come to the U.S. for one year, ready to become a part of your family.
The following are five ways that an au pair is better than traditional childcare.
More affordable than you think
While other childcare options can cost a substantial amount per child,, the cost of an au pair is per family.
The weekly average cost per family is $359, according to Go Au Pair. “These program fees are per family, not per child, making au pair childcare one of the most affordable childcare options.”
Examples of good work ethic and the importance of education
Au pairs get to travel to the U.S. for a year, become close to your family, and further their education while they are here. A caregiver who cares so much about continuing education and bettering oneself can be a great example to your children.
“Au pairs are required to enroll for not less than 6 semester hours of classes at a post-secondary educational institution; but may audit the classes for no credit if they wish,” according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Parents can focus on parenting
Au pairs can help with the day-to-day tasks involved in taking care of the children, as well as assisting with their education. This can leave the parents with more opportunities to focus on fun family time.
“Au pairs make your life easier by performing common childcare tasks,” according to Go Au Pair. “Au pairs help out around the house, doing laundry and cleaning bedrooms and play areas for the kids — allowing you more quality time to spend with your kids.”
Supporting you in your parenting goals and plans
“There have been many moments proving to me that Lilian was the best person for our family,” said one host Mom, Sara. At one point, their au pair helped arrange and support the special dietary needs of the daughter. “I felt like crying with joy because trying to do that (on) my own had been so hard that I had to put it on hold for a while and finally we are able to get my daughter the nutritional support she needs by working together. I’m extremely grateful for Lilian and who she is as a person, and what she is doing for our family.”
Au pairs can expose children to a different culture and language
When you bring an Au Pair into your home, you are giving your family the opportunity to learn about the culture and country that the au pair is from. The au pair may even be able to teach your children a second language, broadening their education and cultural experience.
An au pair can be like gaining another member of your family
For the year they are with you, an au pair can become close to your family, creating life-long relationships.
“We were familiar with having au pairs because of (my husband’s) upbringing — he has these ‘older sisters’ all over the world, whom he has visited many times,” said host mom, Elena, about her family’s search for an au pair. “They are amazing and resilient women who have all done amazing things with their lives after their year in the USA. I realized this was who we were missing!”
For more information about working with an au pair, visit a reputable au pair organization like Go Au Pair. Find out how having a live-in child care option can help your family, children, and sanity.
