The Difference Between Nanny, Nanny and Au Pair
If you have children and don’t have family members nearby who would demand to take them out of your hands from time to time, you have probably been or will be in the child care market. There are several different people who can offer home care for your little ones. But what is the difference between different providers and how do you know which one you need?
What does an au pair do?
An Au Pair is a caregiver who lives in your home. Au pairs, usually from another country, are often the most affordable option for full-time child care. (Their salary is lower because the host family provides housing and food.)
Pros: While care is not “24/7” (au pairs agreed on working hours), it’s the closest a family can get to having a third parent on their team available for support after hours or emerging emergencies.
Communal living fosters meaningful bonds between your children and your au pair—and quickly. Since most au pairs are women from other countries, your children will be exposed to a different language and culture from an early age. Any problems with your au pair can be brought to the attention of the employment agency through mediation.
Cons: An au pair may not be right for you if you place a high value on privacy and privacy. Having an au pair is akin to accepting another family member; they often eat, go on vacation and celebrate holidays with you. If you only have one guest room, it will be their living space for at least a year. You must be comfortable with someone else driving your vehicle, and with any potential accidents or insurance claims that may arise.
While au pairs are placed through agencies that screen them and you will have ample opportunity to interact with candidates via video call, you will not be able to meet in person before being hired. The Au Pair has an annual work visa that can be extended for six, nine or 12 months with the same or a new family. At the most, they can only stay with your family for two years.
What does a nanny do?
A nanny is a person who works full or part time for your family and does not usually live in your home. Babysitting is ideal for families who need frequent and long-term care on a regular schedule. The nanny may perform other childcare duties, such as driving the children to and from extracurricular activities, giving instructions on homework, and helping around the house, such as light housekeeping or preparing meals.
Pros: Finding the right nanny can provide the convenience and reassurance that you have an experienced partner who is likely to stay with you longer than the nanny. Your child can stick to familiar environments and established routines while receiving one-on-one attention.
Cons: Babysitting is often the most expensive childcare option due to their level of experience – babysitting is their career, not a side job. Although wages vary by location, according to Care.com , “the average cost of a single child nanny nationally averages $612 per week.” A full-time nanny is effectively an employee and you will need to set wages, sick days, at least two weeks of paid leave and vacation time. You will need to deduct taxes from their paycheck and report all income and deductions to the government. In some cases, you may even be asked to provide unemployment or health care benefits.
The nanny will expect an annual salary increase and it is customary to provide generous bonuses during the holiday season. Most nannies are independent contractors, are not subject to any regulation or oversight, and require additional verification from you.
What does the nanny do?
A nanny is a person who occasionally provides child care for your family. They usually work fewer hours and have other jobs or school obligations.
Pros: A babysitter is ideal when you don’t have a constant need for child care. If your primary need is someone who works a few hours a week or less , who can take the kids to sports, play with them after school, or babysit them while you’re on a date night, a babysitter (or, preferably, a long list of them) is an amazing choice. resource. Your kids will get to know different personalities and activities. The nannies work part-time, are paid by the hour, and require no long-term commitment. They offer you more flexibility and privacy than a nanny or au pair.
Cons: Babysitters tend to be the least reliable of all childcare providers. They often study or take other jobs to supplement their main source of income. They may be actively looking for another job, heading for a new job or adventure in the coming months, or have limited availability. Since they are often used only occasionally, they may not form the same deep and strong bond with your children. (Though it’s possible.)
Whether a babysitter, babysitter or au pair is right for you, having child care options that provide mental and physical breaks in parenting is key to parenting well being.