We are looking for flexible child care for the summer and was thinking about au pairs. We are looking into cultural programs. We are also considering our 21 year old niece. She needs to establish residency in our state to go to school here. So should the terms be similar to typical au pair situations? What I have seen in the cultural exchange programs is 45 hours a week, room and board and pay of around $350. Does that sound appropriate for a family member too?
Absolutely!
Make sure that your niece finds out EXACTLY what she needs to do to be considered a resident. She will probably need to change over her license and car registration and have documented employment. She will probably also have to pay her own tuition (even if it actually comes from her parents).
If she's trustworthy and good with kids, then go for it!
Its almost NEVER a good plan to mix business/money with friends/family... think long and hard on that!
A couple of things to consider. First, you don't need to pay taxes for au pairs like you do with regular caregivers. Since this is a relative living with you, you may or may not be obligated to pay taxes. Given the relationship, doing this under the table may work for you.
Au pairs are restricted to working no more than 45 hours per week. They are paid approx $200 a week (the extra $150 a week goes to the au pair agency for recruitment and paperwork costs). They get free room and board. They are not housekeepers, and are asked only to do chores related to the kiddos (e.g., kids laundry, picking up after kids, cooking for kids). Again, since she is family, she may also be helping you as a family cook and clean up after dinner. But I would recommend against having her do more.
It sounds like a great idea. I hope it works for you.
in addition to the previous two answers. If you do use family (or an agency, etc) be sure to get everything in writing. Maybe a notarized contract that you both agree to.
$350 with room and board sounds good. Just be sure to stipulate hours and what is required during the 45 hours a week (Cleaning? Laundry? Dishes only? any weekends or date nights needed? Vacation travel & care? If so, when and any extra $$, When the family member isn't "on the clock" will she have other personal responsibilities to discuss)
That sounds fair. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for taxes, etc.
Get everything in writing. Including time off, vacations, sick days (hers and your child)
If she is doing the same job as those in the program then she should get the same pay. It could be a win win since it will help her establish residency.
I agree with Christy J. - put it in writing! Our niece moved in with us in high school & we ended up doing a contract of sorts with her when she turned 18. Boundries need to be established. The only issue we really had was that after she would watch the kiddos for a while it became hard for her to distinguish between being the cousin & being the sitter. There were a few time when we had to sit her down & explain that she is not the parent - we are & she was overstepping her bounds on occassion.
It's just a good idea to have everyone's expectations out before starting the job.
Hope you find what works well for you guys!
