CHOOSING CHILDCARE

Let’s face it. Choosing the right person to care for your children is the most important decision a parent can make. With so many choices for childcare, it can be an overwhelming task. Having an Au Pair is one option for parents looking for live-in childcare.

An Au Pair is a young adult between the ages of 18-26, from another country who lives with your family for a year (but no more than two years) and provides in-home childcare. Bringing an au pair into your home also provides a cultural experience that is shared by the entire family. In turn, the au pair is given the opportunity to come to the United States, live with an American family, learn about their culture and American customs, and improve their English. Au pairs can work up to 45 hours per week, up to 10 hours per day. They are paid a small weekly stipend of under $200, regardless of the number of children in the household.

Au pairs are able to take on many of the child related responsibilities that you don’t have time for or just need a second set of hands to help you with, such as:

• Preparing meals for your children and cleaning up afterwards
• Drop off/pick up from school, sports, or other activities
• Help your children with homework
• Prepare and pack lunch/snacks
• Handle household chores such as doing your children’s laundry and keeping their room neat and clean.
• Bathing/dressing your children

Another big plus is that you determine your Au Pair’s schedule based on your family’s needs. For example, do you need help early in the morning and then after school until bedtime? Or an extra set of hands to help on Saturdays when there are lots of activities going on? It’s all about what works for you and your children. Your Au Pair will quickly become more than just a childcare provider, but a family member as well!

Lynn Mele is Area Director of AuPairCare covering Western Monmouth and Mercer Counties. Contact Lynn for more information at 908-692-5589 or lmele@aupaircare.com