The Au Pair schedule

Au Pair salary and working hours
Depending on the host country the Au Pair is supposed to work a certain number of hours and receive a sum of pocket money. Learn more

What should Host Families and Au Pairs discuss about?

• Describe the tasks that need to be done
• Explain the daily plan and babysittings. Although the Au Pair Program requires flexibility, it is always better to plan, at least a week in advance. This way both the Au Pair the and Family can organise their free time around the work schedule.
• Define your expectations: the Host family should be clear about what they require in terms of childcare and light housework, so that the Au Pair understands from the beginning what is expected of her/him.
• Be specific when writing down the Au Pair duties in the contract. For example, something like “put the children’s toys back into the boxes, fold clothes that are lying around and put them back into the cupboard, on Fridays additional vacuuming”, which is much more specific than just “cleaning the kids’ room”, will leave no space for misunderstandings. 
• Clarify when the Au Pair will normally have free time and which family activities you would like him/her to take part in. 
• Explain when the Au Pair will have time to attend a language course.
• Mention the working hours of both Host Parents.

Typical working schedule for an Au Pair

Remember that this is just an example of Au Pair schedule, every Host family has different needs and can adjust the schedule according to them. Discuss in advance what is required from the Au Pair, so that she knows what the routine in the house is like and can conduct her duties accordingly.

 

Make sure that the Au Pair understands what is expected of her/him and agrees with it. Do not forget that it is always important to communicate to avoid future complications.