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First of all, it is rare that an Au pair and her host family do not run into a few problems here and there. The vast majority of these, however, are just that: small problems which can easily be resolved by a short, frank discussion of the reason why the problem has occurred in the first place.

If the relationship between you and the Au pair appears to be irretrievably compromised, please contact us as soon as possible. We will discuss with you, and the Au pair, what steps should be taken next.

The pocket money we ask our host families to pay the aupair is a minimum of €110 per week.  As the average hours our host families ask their Au pair to be on duty lie between 22 and 30 hours per week – and a weekly €54 deduction is applicable for room and board – the approximate pocket money would amount to anything between €110 and €160 per week.

This depends on circumstances, e.g., how many hours per week you require assistance from your Au pair, whether the Au pair would have to spend a lot of money on bus fares when she wants to go out or go to her English class, whether or not you give your Au pair access to a car etc.

The Au pair will help and assist you for anything between 20 and 35 hours per week. Her duties will be primarily childcare related duties but she would also help you with light housework. The emphasis is on light. Whatever you would ask your adult daughter to help you with is what you can ask your Au pair as well. Remember: this is a cultural exchange programme and the Au pair is not here as a chef, gardener or cleaner. If possible, the Au pair should be provided with a schedule and timetable which should be agreed between Au pair and host family at the start of the Au pair’s stay.

Again, this is negotiable between Au pairs and their own host families. The agreement between host family and Au pair stipulates, however, that a minimum of one and a half days per month should be available as free days, on top of her weekly free days.