Has anyone used an au pair

MoFree

The nanny we have used since DD was 6 months old is leaving for a f/t job where she works weekends. I have a temporary replacement who goes back to college in mid August.

I am reluctant to take LO to daycare since I I start work early ( first patients are seen at 730) and DH is OOT one week of the month. I cannot imagine having to be up even earlier, have LO ready, drop her and be at work at 715.
We have a spare bedroom and bath in the lower level so a live in would have privacy and we would not be in top of each other.
If you have either used or know someone who has used an au pair what has the experience been like?

luvboston

My friend has foreign au pairs I think they are awful, they are not well trained. If i was looking for an au pair I would look on care.com and make sure whoever you pick comes to work for you several times before you make a decision also make sure they give you two months notice once hired.

Ruthie04

A childhood friend grew up with au pairs. I believe hers were German and French. My friend's father worked abroad and they brought back their au pairs when they returned to the US to support the language. My friend was trilingual and working on Spanish in elementary school. She loved her au pairs and we always had a great time with them. That being said, they were more like big sisters than responsible caregivers- Very laid back and not really into discipline or long term relationships. So, they were perfect for older children who were in school most of the day, but these particular young women wouldn't have been the best match for babies or toddlers. I assume that different companies have better training for young children, but I don't know anyone who has used one for that age range. Sorry I couldn't help more!

VegasGal1978

A friend/coworker has two LO and a third on the way. She's used an au pair for the past three years. She's a huge fan.

There are some complexities. Generally, they are young and have little experience. Also, they only have one year contracts I believe. Then can sometimes be extended but not sure on the details.

Interviewing long distance can be tough so you really need to go with your gut. There is help if things don't work out, but that's just a pain.

The good thing is that they live with you. They have a max number of hours they can work, but you can set the times I believe.

My friend is prepping for her fourth au pair this summer. If it were bad, she would never have done it again. She works in finance from her home but travels often. Her hubby is a surgeon, so he's away from the home long hours.

Good luck!

burgandy210

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MoFree

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