Taking in an au pair as a family can offer many advantages, especially if both parents are working and there are no relatives living nearby to assist with childcare. Au pairs are young people from other countries who live with you for a certain period of time and help you with the care of your children and light household chores.

Advantages

A great advantage of the program is that you are relieved by having someone to help you especially with childcare. You will have more time for your work or for other important tasks or activities while your au pair is taking care of the children and you can achieve a better work-life balance.

But the children also benefit: They have the opportunity to learn a new language and get to know a new culture. In the best case, they can also build a close relationship with your au pair and consider him/her a friend and mentor.

Through the exchange with the au pair and through the experiences he/she gains in Germany, you as a family can gain a new perspective on life in your country. You can also help your au pair to better understand your own culture by including him/her in your traditions and customs.

Challenges

However, there are also some challenges that can come with the au pair program. You will need to invest time and effort in finding a suitable au pair who will fit in with your family. It is also important to communicate clear expectations and rules so that your au pair understands their role and can fulfill their responsibilities.

As a family, you must also be willing to take responsibility and help your au pair settle in Germany. This may include, for example, helping them find a language course or explaining cultural differences.

Requirements for the host family

In addition, there are some requirements that you must meet as a host family as well as costs that you will incur:

You must have enough living space in your apartment or house to provide your au pair with his/her own room and pay for his/her meals. In addition, it is your responsibility to finance a language course for the au pair. You have to pay your au pair an adequate pocket money (about 280 Euro per month) and cover the costs for the arrival and departure of your au pair. Last but not least, you have to make sure that your au pair is sufficiently insured.

Overall, the au pair program in Germany can be a rewarding experience for families who want to open their minds to a new culture and achieve a better work-life balance. As a family, if you are willing to invest time and effort in finding a suitable au pair and integrating them into your family life, you can gain many unforgettable experiences and build valuable relationships.