We've absolutely loved getting to know these young women and having them become part of our Taranaki family. Each one is truly special and they've enriched our children by exposing them to different experiences, foods, customs, and cultures. The au pairs, most of whom are from Germany, have so much energy. They can play and play and play -- much more than parents. They've formed such wonderful relationships with the children and Simon and me. We've kept in touch with them all, even attending our first au pair's wedding in Sweden and then visiting our other au pairs in Germany. They are godparents to our children and part of our lives forever.
As for Simon, he gets to see the kids any time he wants and hang out with them on the farm. They head down with the au pair to spend time with him. The kids love that he comes home for meals so it has been amazing for their relationship.
An au pair is an ideal option for families where both mum and dad work on the farm. The only other option is to wake the kids up before milking and put them in a kids' room or caravan. The busy times on the farm are before and after school, for milking, right when your kids need you. An au pairn can sleep till the kids wake up then get the household moving.
As I sometimes start early and work late, I appreciate the flexibility an au pair offers -- I'm not tied to a specific time for pick-ups.
After-school care for three kids, plus all day for our 3-year-old twins would cost hundreds of dollars. We've definitely saved money -- and our sanity.