Au Pair, from the French on par means "equal" to indicate that the young woman living with a family and taking care of the children is on par or equal in status with the rest of the family.

Thus, au pairs tend to be regarded as part of the family, like an older daughter, whose main responsibility is taking care of the children and chores related to the children. Au pairs originated in Europe when upper "crust" or wealthy families wanted "help" with their young children, but desired a more relaxed and fun approach to childcare, compared to the older and often times more reserved "nanny" they experienced as a child.

Au pairs provide up to 10 hours per day of childcare and up to 45 hours a week. Au pairs are between the ages of 18 and 26 and come from more than 40 countries. In exchange for providing childcare, au pairs receive room, board, and a small stipend. Au pair agencies should have in place appropriate screening methods to ensure you and your family have a wonderful and safe au pair experience.

Your au pair will expect a car - she will need to drive to school, visit other au pairs and friends, her counselor and, most importantly, to shop at our American malls (she has been looking forward to this for quite some time - just try and stop her!).

She needs to have an active and on-going social life throughout her year in the States - please ensure she does if you want a well-adjusted and happy young woman caring for your children.

Typically, au pairs were only allowed to stay in the USA for 12 months, but new regulations have changed and your au pair can apply to stay with you and your family over a year and up to 2 years.

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