If you’re a parent of a school-aged child, you know planning for summer childcare can feel like a full-time job. It can seem like you’re late to the summer party if you haven’t finalized all your plans before spring even arrives. Not to mention, camps and short-term nannies often cost a small fortune and eat into that summer vacation budget.
Here are some reasons why we think hosting an au pair can help you feel less stressed about managing your summer schedule and beyond.
- Timeline. You may feel late to the summer camp registration party, but you’re right on time when it comes to hosting an au pair. The average timeline to welcome your au pair from start to finish is typically six to eight weeks and can be as quick as two weeks if you decide to host a transition au pair.
- Responsibilities. Camps can create a lot more work for parents with lunches and snacks having to be packed and specific drop-offs and pickup schedules. Hosting an au pair alleviates this additional task and even takes more to-dos off your parenting plate, like keeping up with the kids’ laundry.
- Cost. Summer activities can add up quickly, between multiple children at multiple camps or short-term nannies charging premium rates. Camps also charge per child, while the au pair program cost remains the same no matter how many kids you have.
- Schedule. For most parents, work doesn’t stop in the summer. No matter how much PTO you have, chances are you’re going to need support with childcare. Au pairs can work up to 45 hours per week, allowing you to get the full-time childcare and schedule you need to be able to create a healthy summer work/life balance.
- Vacation. Not only does hosting an au pair help ease the strain of a pricey summer camp budget, you have the option to bring your au pair along on any trips you plan! Ask any parent who’s traveled with kids, having an extra set of hands along for the ride is a game changer.
With over 30 summers under our belt, Au Pair USA can help you with your summer childcare dilemmas and beyond. Get started here by applying as a host family and you could be interviewing your next au pair before you know it. We’re looking forward to supporting you on your au pair hosting journey this summer and onward!
