What to Look For In An Au pair

Aupairs are the alternative to having daily babysitters or putting your children in daycare. An aupair often comes from another country and is usually fairly young. The benefits to having this multicultural exchange are numerous and many families who have tried an aupair never go back to regular daycare.

When selecting an aupair, it is usually best to go through an established agency that will prescreen the caregivers for you. This ensures that your new nanny has no criminal past and has never been accused of neglect or child abuse. As most aupairs are fairly young, they do not usually have a lot of experience, but if this is important for you, you can ask for one who has already aupaired.

Although it is possible to find male aupairs, females are far more popular. Unless you have your heart set on a male aupair, you will find the best selection among young women.

Before you start looking for an aupair, it is a good idea to sit down and decide what you want from your caregiver. Do your kids need to be taken to soccer practice on a regular basis? Then you might want a girl with an international driver's license. On the other hand, the very thought of someone else roaring around with your children might freak you out!

How long your aupair can stay is a major factor in who you hire. While some are available on a short-term basis, many aupairs prefer to work for 3 or more months, depending on how far they have to travel to get to your house! You might want to hire someone just for the summer, or for the entire year. If this is your first time, it is a good idea to start with just a few months, to see how things go.

Language proficiency is another concern if you plan to hire an aupair from a non-English speaking country. While the benefits of learning a foreign language are many for your children, you will also want to be able to communicate with your caregiver. It is also a good idea for her to be able to speak enough English to be able to communicate vital information in case of emergency.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you want your aupair to do anything besides care for the children. Some agencies only provide girls who will look after the children and nothing else, but others will happily give you aupairs who are willing to do some light cooking and cleaning. Obviously, you will have to pay a little more for this privilege, or provide extra perks (such as language lessons or an extra day off), but it can be well worth your while if you don't have time to do these things yourself.

You can talk to other families, either online or off, about what countries they have found to be the best providers of aupairs. Some parents prefer third world countries such as Mexico or Thailand, while others will swear by European aupairs. The choice is up to you, but it is nice to hear from people who have tried the various countries and can give some feedback.

Choosing an aupair is a big decision and one that needs to be made with care. Once you have found someone who fits your specifications, it is a good idea to talk to her and get to know her at least a little over the phone or email. If you are certain that this is the right aupair for you, go ahead and enjoy having a new, foreign influence in your home!