Five Things You Probably Didn’t Realize About Hosting an Au Pair

When parents start their search for childcare, they often consider three traditional options: center-based daycare, home-based care and nannies/babysitters. The au pair program might be overlooked as a potential solution—either because parents aren’t familiar with it or they hold misconceptions that discourage them from hosting an au pair. Here are five things you probably didn’t realize about hosting an au pair.

1. The cost of hosting an au pair is competitive with daycare/nannies

Perhaps the biggest myth about hosting an au pair is that it’s too expensive. In truth, the cost of au pair childcare is often comparable to daycare or nannies. Hosting an au pair costs the same regardless of how many children you have, so for families with two or more kids, it can be particularly cost-effective. Although it may vary family to family, the average cost of hosting an au pair is approximately $1,700 a month. There may be other costs to consider, such as food and including your au pair in family outings and vacations, so be sure to factor those in when weighing your options.

2. Au pairs can provide flexible coverage, including early mornings, evenings + weekends

One of the biggest reasons families love hosting au pairs is the flexibility they gain in their busy lives. Au pairs can provide up to 45 hours per week of childcare coverage (no more than 10 hours per day) and you can set a schedule that best suits your needs. Au pairs can provide early morning, late night and weekend coverage, and some au pairs work split shifts, helping kids get off to school in the morning and resuming duties later in the day. Rachel, a host mom in NY, says, “With our au pair Guili, we have achieved some work-life balance in our lives by having more flexibility. I’ve told others, it was like letting a little air out of the balloon—there’s no longer so much pressure on my shoulders all the time.”

3. Au pairs teach you about a new culture and language

One unique benefit of hosting an au pair is that your family gains exposure to a new language and culture. And although it’s usually not the most important criteria in their initial search for childcare, families tend to continue with the au pair program year after year as they recognize and appreciate the value of cultural exchange.

4. Au pairs can help with household duties related to the kids

In addition to childcare duties, au pairs can perform household chores related to the kids, easing the pressure on parents. From meal prep to folding the laundry, an au pair can provide an extra set of hands for busy families.

5. Au pairs become part of your parenting team + family

Because au pairs live with their host families, they tend to integrate into the household rather easily and mutual trust is quick to develop. And while au pairs bring their own creative ideas to their caregiver role, they can also observe how their host parents love, teach and discipline the children and can follow suit. 

From hours needed to affordability, there are a lot of factors to consider when embarking on your childcare search. With a little research into the pros and cons of all your options, you’re sure to find a solution that suits your family’s needs.

Want more information?

If you're considering an au pair for your family's childcare needs, Cultural Care Au Pair can help!