Au Pair Responsibilities

For most parents, there simply aren't enough hours in the day to cross everything off the continuous 'to do' list, let alone have fun with your children, and find free time for yourself. It's a different story with an au pair. Not only will an au pair play with and supervise the kids, she will also help you with all child-related tasks:

• Preparing meals and cleaning up afterwards
• Making school lunches
• Help with bathtime
• Driving kids to school and activities
• Helping with homework and tutoring
• Doing kids' laundry
• Keeping kids' rooms tidy and organized
• Other specific duties as related to caring for the kids in your family

You might notice that au pairs are not responsible for heavy housework, yardwork, pet care, laundry, or meals for the entire family. However, they are also members of the family, as such you may ask them to participate in general household responsibilities that are shared among family members.

Working Hours and Schedule

Au pairs work hard helping your family, so they deserve time off, too. The Department of State sets limits on working hours and time off for au pairs. Please keep in mind the following details when scheduling your au pair:

• The schedule cannot exceed 45 hours per week
• Your au pair may not work more than 10 hours on any given day
• Your au pair should receive 1.5 days off per week and one full weekend per month (Friday evening to Monday morning)
• Your au pair is entitled to receive two weeks of paid vacation during the first 12 months

Although au pairs are flexible, GreatAuPair recommends that you provide your au pair with a written weekly schedule in advance so that she can plan her time accordingly. During the interview process, you will have an opportunity to explain the type of working hours and duties your family requires.