What is an au pair? A single girl (or rarely a boy) who helps a host family with childcare and housework while staying as a guest with a host family and generally receiving a small allowance or pocket money is called au pair. The au pair is considered as a full member of the family during the temporary period of the au pair stay.
What is an au pair?
An au pair is a foreign-born domestic helper who works for and lives with a host family. In return for a monetary allowance, au pairs often share a portion of the family’s babysitting and housekeeping duties.
Government limits on au pair arrangements are common, and they normally specify an age range ranging from mid-late teens to mid-late twenties, and they may explicitly limit the arrangement to females. The au pair program is a sort of cultural exchange that allows both the family and the au pairs to learn about and experience various cultures.
Europe, where the concept originated, and North America have different arrangements. In Europe, au pairs are only permitted to work part-time, and they typically study part-time as well, concentrating on the host country’s language. They may provide full-time childcare in the United States.
The European Agreement on Au Pair Placement was signed in 1969 and became effective in 1971. In the United States, au pair agencies charge hefty non-refundable fees once the au pair arrives. Although many families rely on the program, the contract does not guarantee childcare.
The au pair is treated as a member of the host family rather than a hired hand, unlike many other types of domestic assistants. In certain countries, the au pair wears a uniform, but most of the time, the au pair just follows the host family’s dress code and dresses appropriately for the job, which usually includes a protective apron.
Summary:
An au pair is a domestic worker from another country who works for a host family and lives with them. Au pairs take on a portion of the family’s childcare responsibilities as well as some housework.
History of au pair:
The phrase au pair derives from the French term au pair, which means “at par” or “equal to,” implying that the relationship is intended to be one of the equals: rather than being a regular domestic worker, the au pair is expected to become a member of the family, albeit for a limited time. Historically, the phrase was used to denote economic equality between the “employer” and their “employee.”
What is an au pair’s role within the family?
Our mission is to place au pairs who become family members by providing day-to-day assistance to both parents and children. The au pair model emerged in the post-World War II era when there was a shift away from using domestic staff for child care.
Au pairs first gained popularity in Europe, where parents desired a child-care partnership that was mutually beneficial. Our au pairs and companions become full-fledged family members as a result of this concept, sharing a cultural exchange experience that often leads to a long-term relationship with the host family.
Au pair’s concept and conditions:
After World War II, the au pair became popular in Europe. Domestic servants were plentiful before the war to care for the children of middle and upper-class families, but after the war, changes in societal attitudes, as well as rises in wages and taxes, rendered the old system unavailable to most middle-class parents.
Simultaneously, societal change increased the number of middle-class girls who needed to work to support themselves, and rising educational goals for girls made exposure to foreign cultures and language study more common aspirations.
However, because being a “servant” was associated with being a “servant,” an essentially working-class status that even working-class people despised, this potential supply of domestic labor could only be utilized if a new non-servant function was invented. As a result, the au pair was born. The au pair was not required to wear a uniform and was expected to be treated as a family member rather than a servant.
An au pair is paid a stipend and has his or her room. Au pairs usually eat with the family most of the time and participate in some of the family’s regular activities, such as outings and travels. Host families, on the other hand, usually expect to have some alone time, especially in the evenings.
An au pair may retreat to his or her room to watch television, study, or socialize with friends during this time. There is often time set up for the au pair to study, particularly the host country’s language. Au pairs should be given uniform contracts with their families, according to the Council of Europe.
Although some au pairs are now male, women continue to make up the vast majority of au pairs. Many nations place restrictions on how many hours an au pair can work. Transportation of children to and from school, transportation of children to after-school activities, cooking, cleaning, ironing, tidying up, and babysitting are examples of tasks.
Depending on the host family, each placement is unique. There is little or no demand for au pairs in many developing nations because there is still an abundant supply of local domestic labor. Au pair relationships can be formed in a variety of ways between host families and au pairs.
Au pair agencies in a specific host nation have traditionally operated as a link between young people interested in becoming au pairs and families in the country who want to host an au pair. Typically, such services charge the host family a fee for acting as a mediator between the host family and potential au pairs.
The agency goes through a screening and evaluation procedure with potential au pairs before recommending them to the host families, who are their main consumers. Some of the bureaucratic processes linked with an au pair visit might also be arranged through traditional agencies.
In recent years, platforms that allow families and au pairs to create online profiles and search for each other directly based on the information supplied in these profiles have been increasingly popular in bringing ambitious au pairs and interested host families together.
These websites complement their search capabilities by giving a variety of information regarding au pair criteria in various countries, as well as user support for their registered users. Users of such websites are charged to allow a complete interchange of personal contact information required to complete an au pair placement.
This method often provides prospective au pairs and host families with a broader range of options and more direct control over the selection process than is possible through a regular agency, and at a far cheaper cost than traditional agencies. Using such services, however, requires a prospective host family or au pair to put in more personal effort in the search process, make their selection, and arrange the legalities of an au pair stay without the use of a third party.
A non-domestic worker who is placed with a host family to care for their children is known as an au pair. The expression “at par” or “equal to” comes from the French term au pair, which means “at par” or “equal to.” There is little or no demand for au pairs in many developing nations because there is still an abundant supply of local domestic labor.
What is an au pair’s role in cultural education?
Hosting an au pair means having up to 45 hours of child care each week, during which your children will receive a broader cultural viewpoint by learning about the au pair’s native country’s culture. Children of any age can learn to like a larger variety of foods, start learning a second language and appreciate songs, stories, and holidays from a different culture.
Children of various ages are cared for by au pairs in our Au Pair or Extraordinaire programs, including newborns as young as three months old, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Au pairs who work as EduCare companions exclusively care for older children who attend school five days a week.
All au pairs and companions sign a 12-month contract to be a part of the program. If an au pair is in good standing at the end of the 12 months, they can request for a stay extension to extend their participation for another 6, 9, or 12 months.
Responsibilities of au pair:
Au pairs are typically expected to help with child care and light housework. They are not accountable for non-child-related housekeeping or common living areas that are kept clean by all family members. The basic responsibilities of an au pair are to care for and entertain the children, as well as to teach the local language if necessary.
The following are some of the responsibilities of an au pair:
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arousing the children.
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transporting children to and from school.
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assisting with schoolwork.
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interacting with children.
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going on outings with the kids to parks, playgroups, and other activities.
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preparing and cleaning up after light meals for youngsters.
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ironing the children’s clothes and doing their laundry.
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preparing the beds for the kids.
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putting away the kids’ toys.
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sanitizing the children’s restroom.
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tidying up the kids’ room.
An au pair is not required to:
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in charge of the entire household.
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dinner preparation for the parents.
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Make the beds and clean the bathrooms for the host parents.
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mop the floors.
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windows should be cleaned.
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look after the animals.
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work in the garden.
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Other youngsters who aren’t the host children must be supervised and cared for.
The au pair’s responsibilities also include adhering to the host family’s house regulations. This includes adhering to the curfew, bedtime, and dress code, as well as computer and phone usage guidelines. These regulations may be outlined in a handbook given to the au pair when she first moves in with the host family. The au pair’s curfew and bedtime are usually set based on when she will start working the next morning.
The major responsibilities of an au pair are to look after and entertain the children. They are not in charge of chores that have nothing to do with the children’s or community living quarters. Au pairs also adhere to the host family’s house restrictions, including curfews and bedtimes.
Table of Au pair comparison per country:
| Country | Hours/week | Pocket money/month | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 25-30 | AUD 800-1000 | AUD 8 |
| Belgium | 20 | € 450 | € 5.63 |
| Canada | 25 | CAD 800 | CAD 8 |
| France | 35 | € 260-320 | € 1.86-2.29 |
| Italy | 30 | € 250-300 | € 2.08-2.5 |
| UK | 30 | € 280 | € 2.33 |
| USA | 45 | $ 800 | $ 4.44 |
12 Things to know before working as an au pair:
1-Be ready to shell out some money:
It is impossible to obtain a harvest without first sowing seeds. The same idea applies to your dreams; you must put in some effort to realize them. Expect to pay for your airfare if you go abroad as an au pair unless your host family agrees to pay for it.
You must also pay for the visa, as well as a payment to administrative costs and a service fee for processing your application. These costs amount to about two months’ worth of pocket money, leaving you with a full 10-month budget to spend or save wisely. The host parents normally cover the cost of the return airfare.
2-Expected work to do:
An au pair is neither a nanny nor a maid! Your primary responsibility will be to perform childcare-related tasks such as picking up children from school and tutoring them, as well as playing with them and putting them to bed.
As a family member, you are expected to prepare basic meals, clean the children’s rooms, and perform other light household chores, just as you would at home for your own family. Before going to Belgium, all tasks should be specified in the au pair contract.
3-Short working hours:
In terms of working hours and compensation ratio, Belgium’s au pair program is one of the best among other popular host countries. You are only allowed to labor for 4 hours every day, so you will have plenty of time to study.
The maximum number of hours worked per week is 20, which can be spread out across six days. Au pairs usually receive weekends off, depending on the terms of their contract.
4-Where you’ll stay:
In Belgium, the host family is expected to offer you a private room during your stay. You are not allowed to share a room with your child (s). This regulation must be followed by host parents for you to have privacy during non-working hours if you choose to stay at home.
5-Eating with the family:
Unless you have a special diet or a food allergy, an au pair will usually share meals with your family. You may inform this topic ahead of time in this instance, but don’t expect lavish meals. Because you are participating in the program not only to travel but also to learn about various cuisines, it is ideal to have a flexible palette.
Since both parents work, you will only be able to share a meal with your family during dinner time. It is often expected of you to assist in the preparation of the ingredients or to load the dishwasher after each meal.
6-Pocket money is not a salary:
In Belgium, you are given €450 each month in pocket money. In comparison to other host countries, the hourly rate is by far the highest. The money should be placed into your bank account rather than paid to you in cash for legal reasons.
As a result, you must open a personal bank account as soon as possible after your arrival. You are entitled to the same amount if you become unwell or go on vacation.
7-Enjoy your leisure time:
So, if you work 4 hours per day (including babysitting hours), you’ll have two days free to tour the city or maybe take a weekend trip to Paris, Amsterdam, or Cologne in Germany. These cities are within two hours of Brussels Station (Gare du Midi, an international train hub).
You can enjoy some free time on days when you do not have language classes because you will just spend time with the kids in the morning (to prepare them for school) and/or in the afternoon (to prepare them for school). You can do whatever you want in the evenings as long as you finish your tasks.
8-Have a break:
During a 12-month program, au pairs are usually given at least two weeks off. Non-working days are also regarded as public holidays. Before you leave your native country, discuss this with your host family and incorporate it into your contract. In a year, a friend of mine who worked as an au pair visited 30 cities and 14 countries.
Naturally, it all depends on your priorities and the reason for your trip to Belgium. It’s just to give you an idea, but most host families will let you travel with the kids while they’re abroad.
9-The opportunity to learn a language:
Belgians are separated into three language groups: Flemish (Dutch-speaking) in the north, Walloons (French-speaking) in the south, and a small group of German-speaking people along the German border in the east. Both Dutch and French are spoken in Brussels.
If you don’t know either of these languages, don’t panic; you can enroll in an intensive language course once you arrive. The language you must learn should be appropriate for the region in which you will be living. The education should be delivered by a reputable language institute, and the host family should cover the entire cost.
10-Insurance in case of emergency:
Au pairs from outside the European Union must have a valid health and accident insurance policy that covers their full stay in Belgium. The family will cover the cost of insurance as your host because it is a necessity when applying for employment authorization and a type B work permit. Even if you have personal health insurance in your own country, this is true.
11-Stay healthy and safe:
Being unwell in a strange place might be one of the most difficult things to go through, especially if you have no family nearby. Many people catch the winter flu during the chilly season. Some people even develop depression as a result of their experiences. Taking vitamins, in addition to eating a nutritious diet, is the greatest way to keep your immune system strong.
In terms of violent crime, Belgium is a safer location to live in than the Philippines. Low-level street crime, on the other hand, is prevalent in big cities such as Brussels and Antwerp, as well as industrial regions such as Charleroi and Liege. Mugging, pickpocketing, and bag snatching are the most regularly reported offenses.
Thieves can be found in subway stations, popular tourist spots, and even international trains. So keep a watch on your belongings and stay away from sketchy areas, especially at night.
12-Work legally:
The contract is extremely important for an au pair since it protects you from any attempts by your host family to use you. To avoid future disagreements, talk to them about your common expectations and provide a list of tasks that they anticipate from you in the au pair contract.
Make sure the contract includes the Belgian au pair regulations before agreeing to sign it so that both parties’ rights are safeguarded. The contract might be canceled if you and your host family do not get along. A 14-day notice period should be given to allow your host parents to find a replacement.
If you’re lucky enough to find a new host family, you can extend your au pair visa for another 12 months or apply for a new one in a neighboring country. Otherwise, you will be responsible for purchasing your return ticket.
In Belgium, you are given €450 each month in pocket money. The hourly rate is by far the highest. You can enjoy some free time on days when you do not have language classes because you will just spend time with the kids and/or load the dishwasher. Au pairs from outside the European Union must have valid health.
Au pair program in North America:
United States:
The United States Information Agency (USIA) established two educational and cultural exchange agencies to operate a program under the Fulbright–Hays Act of 1961, which sparked interest in the Au Pair Program in 1987. This would enable foreign nationals to live with an American host family and engage directly in the host family’s daily activities.
Congress ordered that the program be continued after testing it with around 200 au pairs. In 1989, the Au Pair Program was established. In that same year, the program was expanded to include four additional agencies, and these agencies together became the original six government-designated Au pair organizations in the United States.
The au pair program in the United States allows qualifying young people to live and study in the United States for one or two years in return for giving up to 45 hours of childcare each week. The United States Department of State recently gave the au pair program authorization to provide a second-year extension au pair program (6, 9, or 12 months), as well as a summer au pair program.
At the same time, au pairs must complete a six-semester-hour educational component or its equivalent. Au pairs usually return to their home country at the end of a year unless they and their host families decide to extend their stay for another 6, 9, or 12 months. Alternatively, the au pair can extend their stay in the United States by working with a different family. Most au pairs choose a family from a different region of the nation to broaden their horizons.
Au pairs in the United States are given a private bedroom, meals, and pay based on the federal minimum wage ($195.75 per week as of July 24, 2009). 1 day off per week plus a full weekend of each month, two weeks of paid vacation, and the first $500 toward the costs of required course work to be completed at an approved institution of higher education to satisfy the educational component of the program’s criteria.
Au pairs are not allowed to work more than 10 hours per day or 45 hours per week, and they are not allowed to serve as general housekeepers or take on household management responsibilities.
Canada:
In Canada, au pair programs do not exist in the same way as they do in the rest of the globe. The live-in caregiver program, which is more stringent than the au pair program, is run by the Canadian government. Standard credentials are regulated at the federal level, but job conditions are set at the provincial level. A minimum of six months of training or one year of compatible employment within the previous three years is required, while there are exceptions and additional conditions.
The au pair program in the United States allows foreign individuals to live and study in the United States for one or two years in return for giving up to 45 hours of childcare each week.
Au pair in Asia-Pacific:
New Zealand:
Au pairs must apply for an NZ Working Holiday Visa and have at least 200 hours of childcare experience before they may apply. Au pairs must also pass a background check that includes the police and medical check. Au pair agencies in New Zealand work hard to ensure the safety of both au pairs and host families.
Australia:
There is no government-sponsored Au pair program in Australia. Au pairs can apply for the Working Holiday and Work and Holiday Visas, both of which allow them to work. Students, particularly those studying English, frequently work in demi-pairs to immerse themselves in Australian culture and language. Work hours for au pairs in Australia range from 10 to 40 hours a week.
In 2012, the Cultural Au Pair Association of Australia was established as a non-profit organization. It’s a trade group for au pair agencies dedicated to preserving and developing the au pair experience as a beneficial cultural exchange program. The members commit to follow the International Au Pair Association’s code of conduct.
To ensure competence, fair dealing, and high integrity, members of the Cultural Au Pair Association pledge to adhere to strong commercial and ethical standards. Australian host families are members of the Australian Au-Pair Families Association, which is a non-profit organization.
It promotes self-regulation in the Au pair business and provides Au-Pair families with information and assistance based on worldwide hosting standards and ethics.
Turkey:
Turkey is a transcontinental country that straddles Europe and Asia, and as a result, Turkish culture is diverse and heterogeneous. Turkey may be considered one of the most popular non-EU countries among Au Pairs, as the culture and aspirations of this multi-ethnic country have recently turned to Europe, where the Au Pair Programs are extremely popular.
Nonetheless, Au Pair Programs are still relatively new and distinctive in Turkey, making it a fantastic opportunity for both young individuals enticed by a unique Turkish culture and families looking for a trustworthy child care provider. The requirement for foreigners to obtain a visa is one of the most significant barriers to being a thriving center of the Au Pairs’ community.
For Au Pairs, entering Turkey without a legal visa is impossible – and applying for a visa requires both an Au Pair contract and an invitation letter, reducing the number of persons willing to put out the effort and go through such a lengthy application procedure.
China:
Au pair agencies in China dispatched young Chinese to work as au pairs in Western countries, primarily for families who had adopted children from China, to assist them to learn the language. Furthermore, China’s growing middle class and economic progress have increased the demand for au pairs.
This helps to provide possibilities for children to learn English at a young age, as well as allowing moms to return to work and receive additional assistance in raising their children. Most families who hire au pairs, however, want to help their children, as well as themselves, learn English, as the mother plays the most important role in raising the children.
Participants must apply for an X or F visa to work as an Au Pair in China. For internships, studies, and long-term courses, the first one is required. A person with an F visa can live in China and participate in cultural exchanges, study tours, or language training.
There is no government-sponsored Au pair program in Australia. China is one of the most popular Au Pair destinations outside of the EU. Participants must apply for an X or F visa to work as an Au Pair in China.
Au pair in Europe:
Spain:
The weekly minimum wage for au pairs is 55–60 euros. Young people can also stay with Spanish families in exchange for speaking English with the children while avoiding any domestic or childcare responsibilities.
The Embassy demands a document from an accredited educational institution in Spain verifying the au pair’s enrolment in a full-time course, as well as an offer of work from the family. “Proof of economic means to meet living expenses and ultimate return to the place of origin” is also required of the au pair.
Belgium:
Au pairs in Belgium must enroll in a Dutch, French, or German language course delivered by an officially recognized institution (depending on the location) - private tuition, distance learning, or private school courses are not approved.
An au pair who does not have a basic understanding of the host country’s language will be required to enroll in an intensive language course once they arrive in Belgium. A cultural program will also be planned by the host family. All nationals of all countries (excluding those of the European Union, Iceland, Monaco, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland) who wish to stay in Belgium for longer than three months must get a visa or work permit.
An au pair’s primary role is to provide childcare, though the host family may request some light housekeeping. The au pair and the host family cannot change any of the tasks listed in the official au pair contract. The au pair is provided with free board and housing, as well as food and lodging in the event of illness or vacation.
She also has her room and a key to the residence. The host family has health and accident insurance, as well as insurance for the au pair’s prospective repatriation fees. An au pair in Belgium is entitled to at least 450 euros per month in pocket money, which is placed into her bank account. In the event of illness or vacation, the au pair is entitled to the entire amount of monthly pocket money.
Au pairs are limited to 4 hours of labor per day (including babysitting) and 20 hours per week, spread out over a maximum of 6 days per week. Au pairs are guaranteed at least one day off per week and one weekend off per month. In Belgium, holiday entitlement is not regulated, but it is advised that an au pair take at least two weeks off.
Austria:
Au pairing is a well-established tradition in Austria, and potential au pairs are supplied by several agencies that are used to dealing with direct foreign applicants. Au pairs are frequently charged a price comparable to a week’s pay, and agencies will direct them to a location where they can have their paperwork stamped for a cost.
France:
Au pairing has long been a popular way for young ladies and, increasingly, young men to learn French. Au pairs in France receive 60 euros per week in pocket money, plus a 20 euro weekly contribution to language instruction in most circumstances; in Paris, families may also contribute a carte Navigo (urban transport ticket) worth 95 euros (approximately). Non-European au pairs are required to enroll in a French language course.
While France does not have an official government-sponsored Au Pair Program, UFAAP, the Union Francaise des Associations Au Pair, is an umbrella association housed at Euro pair Services in Paris that was founded in 1999. As a result, many au pairs visit France on a student visa, which limits au pairs to working 5 hours per day, 30 hours per week, and pays between 250 and 300 euros.
Denmark:
An au pair in Denmark must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and be fluent in at least one of the following languages: English, German, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian. Working hours must be between 18 and 30 hours per week, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 hours each day. Every week, the au pair must take at least one and a half days off.
The au pair is to be treated as a family member, which entails being treated equally to the other members of the family and participating in the host family’s daily activities. In exchange for her or his services, the au pair is provided with board and housing, as well as pocket money (starting at 4,550 DKK in 2021) and access to language classes at language schools.
Au pairs are often allowed to stay with their host family for a maximum of 24 months, but no longer than the contract stipulates. The au pair visa, however, does not qualify you for a settlement or work permit. If the au pair is from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, the host family is liable for the au pair’s entry and return ticket to/from Denmark.
Furthermore, the host family is responsible for a one-time charge that is meant to reimburse a portion of the state’s costs associated with Danish language instruction.
Germany:
The Au Pair Society, which has two offices in Germany and over 40 members, is home to many independent agencies. The Society’s website includes contact information for members as well as connections to agency websites. Incoming au pairs are not charged a placement fee by commercial au pair agencies.
The Au-Pair Society e.V. is a member of the International Au Pair Association, as well as a member of the ECAPS (European Committee for Au-Pair Standards), a committee where representatives of National Organizations from numerous European nations have developed new Au-Pair program standards in Europe.
Through a German agency, non-EU citizens under the age of 24 can work as au pairs. Before leaving their home countries, Americans and Canadians are not required to apply for a residency and work permit; nonetheless, au pairs must demonstrate that they have studied German.
In 2006, the monthly allowance for an au pair in Germany was increased to 260 euros ($300+). The majority of families additionally provide their au pairs with a monthly transportation pass as well as other perks such as a contribution toward course fees or travel expenses.
The major responsibility of an au pair is to look after children. Au pairs are supplied with free board, lodging, and food. Au pairs from Denmark must take a French language course. In Germany, non-EU citizens under the age of 24 can work as au pairs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning this keyword:
1- Why au pair in Germany?
Through their Host Family, Au Pairs in Germany will not only enhance their language abilities but also learn about a multicultural society and intriguing traditions. They will also have some tasks during this time, most of which will be related to the host children.
2- Is an au pair an employee?
As the IRS considers an au pair to be an “employee” of the host family, au pairs must file individual income tax returns in the United States. Au pairs must keep track of their au pair income (stipends) from their host family to pay their taxes.
3- What is the difference between nanny and au pair?
Both nannies and au pairs assist families with childcare. A nanny is a regular employee who receives a salary. As a temporary family member, an au pair is integrated into family life. The au pair lives in the family’s home, eats meals with them, and is paid with monthly pocket money rather than a wage.
4- Can a man be an au pair?
Au pairs can be either men or women. Male au pairs, often known as au pair boys or bro pairs.
5- What is an Au person?
A young foreign visitor hired to look after children, do housework, and do other chores in exchange for room and board: With the au pair, we took the kids to the beach.
6- Are au pairs cheaper than nannies?
When compared to hiring a nanny on your own (for free) or utilizing a nanny agency, the cost of engaging an au pair agency ranges from $7,500 to $12,500 per caregiver. The hourly compensation is higher, but the emotional cost is far lower because most nannies want to work for a long time with a potential employer.
7-What does au pair mean literally?
The phrase au pair derives from the French term au pair, which means “at par” or “equal to,” implying that the relationship is intended to be one of the equals: rather than being a regular domestic worker, the au pair is expected to become a member of the family, albeit for a limited time.
8- What do au pairs get paid?
The host family must pay au pairs a weekly stipend of at least $195.75 each week. The weekly au pair stipend is a legal minimum payment obligation, but host families and au pairs are free to agree to higher compensation.
9- Can an au pair be married?
No. It appears that a few au pairs have fallen in love while in the United States and are unable to marry and remain on the program. If an au pair marries, she will be removed from the program and will be responsible for her transportation and insurance.
10- Do au pairs live with you?
They are more of a commitment than hiring babysitters or nannies because you agree to have them live with you. It’s like if they’re a hybrid of babysitters and exchange students. In exchange for lodging, board, and a weekly stipend, an au pair lives with a host family and looks after their children.
Au pair is a single female (or, in some cases, a male) who assists a host family with childcare and housekeeping while residing as a guest with the family and getting a little allowance or pocket money. During the au pair’s temporary stay, the au pair is treated as a full member of the family. The au pair is not a nanny or a housekeeper. Au pairs are single women who have no children of their own. Au pairs are responsible for a portion of the family’s childcare as well as some housework.
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