Australia Au Pair

Au Pair, Mother's Helper, Nanny... What's the difference?

Au Pairs: As Au Pair you are considered to be the ‘eldest daughter’ in the house. Helping the parents with light home duties and to care for the children for about 15 - 30h per week plus around 2 nights of baby-sitting will be expected from you. Most au pairs are between 18 and 25 years of age.

Mother's Helper: As a Mother's Help or Au Pair +, you present a second pair of hands around the house, helping with the daily chores and looking after the children sometimes in sole charge, but most times together with the mother. You'll work around 35h per week plus a couple of nights baby-sitting. Most mothers' helpers are over 22 years of age. Nanny: For nanny positions you need to be qualified and have certificates, practical experience in looking after children of all ages and be able to take sole charge of children. You will be expected to work full time, 40 + hours per week, help a little in the household and mainly keep the children busy and amused according to their ages and capabilities. Most nannies are over the age of 25.

How long can I stay at my Au Pair Family?
You must stay at least 3 months with your family. You can stay up to 1 year with your family, depending on your visa.

What are the families like?
Families come from all walks of life. We do place applicants with very “high profile” families but also with just totally "normal" families. Most families have been recommended by other clients, or have been known to our offices for a long time. Lots of them have had au pairs or nannies living and working with them before. Our consultants know about the families, their habits, requirements, interests; therefore we are very successful in matching our candidates with their local families.

Do I get information about the family? Can I choose my family?
Yes, you will be introduced to families until you find the one you like best, which usually doesn't take long and most people are happy with one of the first 2 or 3 families. Like you, all families have to fill out application forms as well and we will show you their answers, letters and any other relevant information, so you can make an educated decision to accept this family or to wait for the next one. All family profiles will send you after each other. If you would prefer another family please let us know the reason that we can provide better options. As soon as you have found a right family you should inform us, contact the family and introduce yourself and ask all questions you like. Please contact us after contacting the family and let us know if you want to stay at this family.

Resource: Au Pair Australia

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