Does the age of an Aupair matter?

[mumsareglam]

We currently have a fantastic aupair (our first one) who is 25 years old, she leaves in a month and I am looking for another.

I have just interviewed a 22 year old, she seems really nice and suitable for the job.
I am however worried that she is rather young. She will have to do the school run everyday (20 mins drive).

She has been driving for 4 years and will have some driving lessons when she comes.
She will also have sole care of two DC from 3:30 - 6:30 until I am back from work.

Should I look for an older person or does age not really matter?

Only, I feel, in terms of car insurance!

Plenty of nannies are doing FT sole charge jobs at 22 (although they usually have more training/experience) and people mature at different rates. If 'you feel she's mature enough, seems to have a good attitude, is committed to the job, prepared to take the lessons and do the driving and is generally a good match all round I'd take her over someone who was older but less of a good fit.

But the difference in cost can be significant so call up your car insurer and see.

I would say that some are more mature than others regardless of age - if you think she fits the bill, trust your instincts!

But... i agree with SnapFrakkleAndPop - the car insurance might be significantly higher so it depends what importance that will play in your decision!

Agree with Snap. The only issue is the car insurance, as insurers do charge higher for an under 25 year old. However they have been driving for 4 years, so if that is under their own insurance then they may have a good percentage of no claims bonus, plus the driving history will with luck help lower premium.

Level of maturity and age do not go together... some older people are very immature, whilst some youngsters are very mature. Some people lack commonsense, whilst others instinctively know what to do in any given situation.

Look at the person as a whole, not just on a factor such as age, weight, gender, etc.

We've had great APs who were 19 and 20. Trialled a girl of 21 who had worse judgement. All of our nannies have been 25 or under(bar none, by FAR the worst.)

I have slightly the (admittedly unfair) bias though- I find it hard to undersand why someone as old as 25 who has likely lived on her own or with peers would want to go into a situation where she is a kind of like an oldest child and works for pocket money. I think it would be a massive adjustment for some people.

sorry BAR ONE. I hate this keyboard.

22 still not young think you'll be fine. As long as you think she is mature enough.

late teens might be a touch young but again all depends on the person and the role you require.