This post was originally published in April 2020 and revised in August 2024 by other contributors.
Image courtesy of Pexels
Hosting an au pair lightens your load in many ways, and helping with your children’s homework is no exception. Whether it’s working with your kids to memorize the world map or providing some laughs during a study break, your au pair is ready and willing to help with this often dreaded task. Here are five ways your au pair can help with homework.
1. Inject a Cultural Twist
Cultural exchange is perhaps the most unique benefit of the Au Pair program and can definitely be utilized when your au pair helps your kids with their homework. For art or history projects, ask your au pair to teach your children about their culture and introduce new perspectives.k. This way, the whole classroom will get to learn about a new place!
Everyone can learn from one another when your au pair helps with homework. For example, the USA teaches that there are seven continents, while many of the countries our au pairs come from teach there are five or six! Uncovering unexpected cultural differences like this with your au pair can make for educational moments.
2. Get Moving
Kids have a lot of energy! Adding movement to your child’s homework routine can be a useful tool when dealing with challenging assignments. Give your au pair the freedom to have fun with the kids while taking a study break. We’re a big fan of a quick dance party or running around in the backyard! Now everyone can refocus after a little breather. Your au pair can also turn studying into a game, for example running to gather sight word cards and then reading them aloud.
Image courtesy of InterExchange
3. Keep It Organized
There’s a lot to do in your household, and that’s one reason you have an au pair! Can’t seem to keep track of all the due dates, events, and projects that your children have going on? Your au pair can keep your children’s homework and school notices organized so that nothing slips through the cracks and is always on time.
4. Reinforce Your Expectations
Your au pair is your childcare partner in the home and is happy to reinforce your expectations for your kids. For example, if you want your children to read two chapter books per month, work with your au pair to create and enforce methods to make it happen. Having another trusted adult in the home is a major benefit of hosting an au pair, and it’s a relief to share the responsibility of encouraging your kids towards developmental and academic goals.
5. Check Off The To-Do List
If you prefer to be the one to help your children with their homework, your au pair can use that time to take care of other household duties related to the children. Au pairs are able to step in with chores as long as they’re relevant to the kids, like preparing the children’s dinner or doing their laundry. Your au pair is happy to help chip away at that long family to-do list!
With back to school season upon us, it’s a great time of year to introduce an au pair to your household. Apply for free today and start interviewing your next au pair!