Ever had an Au Pair?

[tinkerbeth]

Hi Everyone,

We're thinking about getting an au pair. Has anyone ever had one and if so, what was it like? And what agency did you use?

Thanks! I'm going to post this on the community board too but I thought I'd try to get a Canadian perspective first since I know there are different rules and regs below the 49th.

Beth

 

[cabmom]

Hi, I looked in to it last summer and posted a job ad on the HR website for Ontario and got responses from women in the Eastern part of Europe. I specifically wanted an Au Pair from Quebec but had no luck. So I went with having a neighbor kid pick the boys up from school. I would still consider getting an Au Pair, however I do want a french one who would be able to converse with my kids as they are in French Immersion.
Sorry I couldn't be more help. I know that the websites advertising Au Pairs want lots of $$$ for you to hire theirs.
Marilynn

 

[sandraB]

Hi,

Back in my prechildren days, I worked for a family in DC as a nanny. I did not live in, but a lot of the families did have AU PAIRs

To be honest, you have no idea what the person will be like.

THey are usually just looking for a way to see a new place/country, and sometimes have no interest in children.

I witnessed one au pair leave her two young charges (around 2 and 3) at the park and go off with her boyfriend!

The companies say they check police records etc....but I personally would never have an au pair. Even the ones who were ok, did not really like the kids, they looked at it more as a place to live for cheap and see the US.

Anyway, just my experience, but I thought you should have all the info you can get!

Good luck!