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Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Aupair for 16 month old triplets for 3/4 hours every week day?

31 replies

moonriver49324 · 23/06/2022 12:28

Before she sadly passed, my MIL would watch the LOs for 3/4 hours every weekday (between nap time and dinner), I used this time to catch up on sleep and work on my writing (freelance journalism). My husband and I would share the night shift and then I would be up with them from around 6 am until 2 pm when my MIL would arrive.

I’ve been struggling to cope without those 3/4 free hours on weekdays and I fear I may completely break down soon. I desperately need help but I can’t afford a nanny or formal childcare for three children. We have a granny annex attached and so I looked into au pairing (I did it myself for a few months when I was 18) but I saw that it is not advisable for pre-school age children.

Does it make any difference that I would only need the au pair for 3/4 hours on weekdays, and that I would always be in the house with her?

I’m getting pretty desperate for help as I have no other options!

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Notbluepeter · 23/06/2022 13:19

This is way too much for an au pair. You need a nanny. It would be exploitative.

The au pair scheme fits a very specific legal position - the financial contribution is seen as pocket money, paying any more than the scheme recommended amounts means the host and/or au pair may have to pay TAX and NI.

The scheme is meant to be a cultural and language exchange arrangement with light duties as part of the swap - it should never replace a child care need that is in excess of a that description.

EvelynBeatrice · 23/06/2022 13:12

Could be a kind of mother's help type role. What about a retired older lady / substitute granny; preferably someone who has had their own kids and still likes children Wink

Original poster
moonriver49324 · 23/06/2022 13:09

Yodaisawally · 23/06/2022 12:43

That's not a job for an aupair. It was a pretty big responsibility for your MIL.

Do you live near a college where childcare students would be looking for experience?

I live near a College and University and on the au pair websites I did see a few advertisements from au pairs looking for host families and on their profiles, they said they'd be willing to look after children aged 0-8.

OP posts:
Mabelface · 23/06/2022 13:06

Definitely ask the local college. I had a student with me as a placement. Social services also gave me a few nursery sessions a week. This was over 20 years ago though!

Yodaisawally · 23/06/2022 12:43

That's not a job for an aupair. It was a pretty big responsibility for your MIL.

Do you live near a college where childcare students would be looking for experience?

zafferana · 23/06/2022 12:38

That's a lot of work and responsibility for someone is just a babysitter. I was an au pair and no way could I have coped with three 16-month-olds at once, with sole charge.

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