Childcare
(Also to be found with keywords Childcare and Babysitting)
An au pair's main responsibility is to take care of the host family's children. The au pair is expected to play with and occupy the children, help with their homework and take them to school, kindergarten or to their other activities. In addition, the au pair assists the family with light housework. During the au pair stay, the children get to know the au pair's culture and language. However, au pairs should not be considered as language teachers.
Depending on the age of the children, the au pair can also be asked to help them with tidying up their bedrooms. Washing the children's clothes and preparing simple meals are also part of the job. In addition, the au pair may be asked to babysit once or twice a week. Babysitting, however, forms part of the working hours of the au pair.
Our tip:
The au pair and host family should discuss the au pair's duties together before the au pair placement starts. The tasks and duties of the au pair can then be written down in a schedule.