Au-Pair and Nannies
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Be an Au-Pair in Germany, Be a Nanny in Germany
Au Pair in South Africa
Au Pair in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Au pairing (literally “living on equal terms”) provides single women and sometimes men over 18 and normally under 27 the chance to study a language and culture while living as part of a family abroad. The demand for live-in childcare is huge especially for young women.
Au pairs are meant to work for no more than 25 hours a week over five days, plus up to two evenings of babysitting. In exchange they are given a separate room, all meals and pocket money of not less than €60 a week. Unlike nannies and mother’s helps, au pairs do not sign a contract since the arrangement is an informal one. Au pairs should be treated more like family members than employees. An au pair has much less responsibility for the welfare of the children than does a nanny, and is not normally expected to take sole charge of a young child.
Holiday au pairs usually work from July to September and accompany the family on their holidays. Since the children are out of school, there may be less free time than during the academic year and often no chance to attend language classes. Otherwise the same rules should apply as for ordinary au pairing.
Nanny
Nannies care for children in the homes of the children. They tend to all the needs of their charges. They make sure meals are attractive. At mealtime, they teach table manners. Nannies wash the children's breakfast and lunch dishes, and clean up the kitchen or dining room. As a rule, nannies do not cook for the family, but some do start dinner preparations.
Nannies wash, iron, and mend the children's clothing. They help older children learn to choose outfits right for the occasion. They teach the youngsters to keep closets and drawers neat. Nannies do not do family laundry.
Planning safe amusement, both indoors and out, is a large part of the work of Nannies. They devise games and play suitable for the ages of their charges. They closely monitor television viewing. They help youngsters learn to play alone and teach them how to get along with others. They may plan and oversee birthday parties and other social events. They make children feel secure while their parents are away from home.
Nannies do not do general housework. They do pick up after the children. They teach their charges to take care of their own belongings. They discipline the children in ways that follow the wishes of the parents. Nannies drive the children to lessons or to appointments. They may also take over car pool duties. Sometimes Nannies run errands. When the whole family takes a trip, the Nanny often travels with them.
