Expat Family Life:  6 reasons why families are hiring an au pair

‘Au Pair’ translates as ‘in return’. An au pair is usually a young person who travels to another country to live with a host family, help around the house and provide childcare to an agreed schedule. In return, the family provides lodging, meals and pocket money. It is an opportunity for the young person to experience life in another country and potentially learn a language while also gaining valuable work experience. 

There is no doubt balancing an expat assignment with the challenges of family life in another country can be overwhelming. If you are finding it difficult, rest assured, you are not alone. If you need help you can always reach out to Allianz Expat Assistance Programme.

Unfortunately some studies show a high percentage of expat assignments end in failure, and many times this can be due to a 'lack of family support'. This is backed by InterNations most recent expat insider study showing personal unhappiness rather than issues at work is the primary driver of an early return. 

We looked at some of the reasons why employing an au pair might be a useful way to take the pressure off expat family life and provide you and your family with some extra support when you need it:

Compared to traditional day care, having a live in au pair offers your family additional flexibility, particularly if both parents work outside the home. Although an au pair is usually restricted to a 30-hour work week, you can agree a schedule that works well for you and your family. If you know you must stay late at work one evening a week, your au pair may be able to make dinner for your children and you don’t have to worry about day-care closing times. 

If you are raising a third culture kid having an au pair from you or your partner’s home country is a great way to introduce that culture to your child. If you are a multilingual home, having an au pair from your home country could help your child become more familiar with your native language and customs. Learning a languages as an expat can be difficult and some extra help here would be very beneficial.

Juggling the demands of work and home life is time consuming. Having an au pair to help can provide you and your partner with some much-needed breathing room. It may allow you to take up a hobby you enjoy or do something together one evening a week as part of your self-care – an essential element of expat happiness. The gift of time is just another great benefit of an au pair around the house.

If traditional forms of childcare are prohibitively expensive in your new location, a live in au pair may be a good solution. It is important to be aware that as well as their accommodation and small salary you will have to pay fees to the agency you hire them through too.  

Another benefit of an au pair is the personalised care and attention your children will receive in the comfort of their own home. Many expats who have had au pairs say they have become true family friends, and they have visited on several occasions. The are websites where you can hire an au pair for your family or find a family to work with if you are an aspiring au pair.

With all of these benefits, it is easy to see why an au pair is a popular option for families living overseas. If you find you are struggling with the day to day of expat family life, visit the Allianz happiness hub where you will find a selection of articles and tools to help you make the most of expat life. Always remember to look after your health and the health of your family. Discover Allianz  international health insurance and find the right  international healthcare plan for you.