There can be significant advantages to employing an au pair as well as disadvantages. If you are trying to decide if an au pair is right for your family, consider these facts:
The Pros
Employing an au pair has a relatively low cost compared to other forms of child care.
Au pairs are usually young students who can enlighten your child to other cultures and experiences.
Many times, an au pair will introduce your child to a second language.
Au pairs not only provide child care, they also help around the house.
Having an au pair gives your children consistency. They will not have to be left with different care givers when you need to run errands or go out for the evening.
The Cons
Usually, an au pair does not have much experience. You must realise that the au pair cannot take on the entire responsibility for your children and are meant to be only an assistant.
An au pair will be living with you, so you must make sure that your home will accommodate them comfortably and your family is ready to have a new person living in the home.
Since most au pairs are young females, you have to understand that they too will need adult guidance at times. Set rules and make sure they understand your expectations.
Communication may be a challenge. If your au pair speaks a different language, you must make sure that your children understand her.
The Pros
Employing an au pair has a relatively low cost compared to other forms of child care.
Au pairs are usually young students who can enlighten your child to other cultures and experiences.
Many times, an au pair will introduce your child to a second language.
Au pairs not only provide child care, they also help around the house.
Having an au pair gives your children consistency. They will not have to be left with different care givers when you need to run errands or go out for the evening.
The Cons
Usually, an au pair does not have much experience. You must realise that the au pair cannot take on the entire responsibility for your children and are meant to be only an assistant.
An au pair will be living with you, so you must make sure that your home will accommodate them comfortably and your family is ready to have a new person living in the home.
Since most au pairs are young females, you have to understand that they too will need adult guidance at times. Set rules and make sure they understand your expectations.
Communication may be a challenge. If your au pair speaks a different language, you must make sure that your children understand her.
