Advice for family looking for an au pair

[TS123456]

Hi can anyone give some tips on where to get good au pairs? We have a nanny and are switching to an au pair and nursery for our two year old twins ? And tips and advice would be great? Thanks

I think it's recommended that au pairs don't have sole charge of under 3s, but I could be wrong.

What are you looking for in an au pair? Are you looking for someone who speaks a different language, with lots of experience, or something else?

There are lots of agencies out there, but you could also look on Au Pair World if you'd rather choose your own - that is cheaper, too.

Just be aware that many au pairs are young, inexperienced, and prone to homesickness etc. Having an au pair is a lot more effort than having a nanny - it is supposed to be a cultural exchange, and as a host family you have a lot of responsibilities. If you are just looking for cheap childcare, an au pair is probably not the way to go (not suggesting that you are :) ).

Out of interest, why are you switching from having a nanny?

Dont buy into the spin about agencies making it all easier for you (especially from those who promote their 'friends' on every available thread) Ive used agencies and recruited myself (the latter more successfully) If you have the time to advertise and interview you can often get a much better match to your needs and those of the person coming as an au pair.

I wouldn't have an au pair for children that young. How would they handle an emergency? We had an au pair with 4 year old twins & she couldn't handle both if them together. Said she could cook then we found out all she fed them was pancakes with jam! A nanny is more expensive with good reason.