Au pairs take away the stress

Flynn, Niamh, Angus, au pair Maike Bensing, Lachlan and Quinn.

Karen Smylie explains why live-in help can improve family life

It all started because we lacked other options. I was set to start a new job in a new town but the childcare providers had no vacancies.

When a friend sent me an article about Au Pair Link we decided to give it a go and, as soon as we took on our first one, we were hooked. We're now on to No9.

Before our first au pair started, we had Flynn in daycare and I was pregnant with Lachie. The difference an au pair made was huge. I came home and the kids were already bathed and ready for bed, the washing was done, the house was tidy and the jobs such as dinner were under way. That gave more time to be a mum, enjoy my kids, and play with them. And the house was calm. Now that we have five kids, it isn't so calm any more, but it still works well.

My only day of sick leave was when Niamh had her tonsils out. Not having to take days off makes a huge difference to employers.

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.