Need extra help with childcare, and wondering if an au pair is the right fit for your family? Bringing someone into your home to share the day-to-day care of your children is a big decision, and knowing what to expect from the start makes all the difference. Here’s what every parent should know before hiring an au pair.
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What Is an Au Pair?
An au pair is a young person from abroad who lives with a host family, usually to improve their English and experience a new culture while in Ireland. Au pairs are typically aged between 17 and 27.
In exchange for board and pocket money, an au pair takes on a share of the family’s day-to-day duties — helping with childcare and some light housework, such as tidying up after the children, helping in the kitchen or doing laundry.
Many families find their au pair becomes something like a big sibling in the house — eating meals together, joining family outings, and becoming part of everyday life.
Au Pair Working Hours and Free Time
As a general guideline, au pairs typically work up to 30 hours a week, plus up to two evenings of babysitting (with no more than one of these falling on a weekend). Beyond that:
- They should have one full day off per week, and one full weekend off per month.
- They’re generally entitled to a week’s paid holiday for every six months they stay.
- Since most au pairs come to improve their English, they should be given time to attend English classes if they wish.
Au pairs usually cover their own travel costs and any English classes themselves. Pocket money is something to agree directly with your au pair before they arrive — rates vary, so it’s worth checking current typical figures before setting an offer.
What Can You Expect From an Au Pair?
An au pair’s duties will look different from family to family. A household with a baby or toddler will have very different needs to one with school-age children, and this will also depend on whether one parent is at home or both are working full-time.
The key is to discuss and agree responsibilities with your au pair from day one. The clearer they are on what’s expected, the smoother the placement is likely to go.
Typical duties might include:
- Getting the children washed, dressed and ready for the day.
- School drop-offs and pickups.
- Bringing children to after-school activities.
- Helping with homework.
- Playing games and doing activities like painting or baking with the children.
- Outings to the park, playground, picnics or baby and toddler groups.
- Some grocery shopping.
- Preparing children’s meals and feeding them.
- Light housework — tidying, cleaning, vacuuming, emptying the dishwasher. Heavier jobs, like mowing the lawn, shouldn’t be part of the role.
You might also enjoy reading 10 of the Most Essential Things To Tell Your Babysitter.
Helping the Placement Get Off to a Good Start
Small gestures make a real difference, especially in the early days. Moving to a new country and joining an unfamiliar family can feel daunting, so a warm welcome goes a long way.
Simple things help:
- Picking up their favourite food occasionally when you’re doing the grocery shop, or giving them a map of the local area with useful spots marked out.
- Showing them how to use public transport, and introducing them to other au pairs or families nearby.
- Cooking a favourite meal, or bringing them along to a local festival or attraction.
You don’t need to do all of this — but these little touches tend to pay off over the course of the placement.
How Long Does an Au Pair Usually Stay?
Agree the length of the stay from the outset. A summer au pair might stay for as little as two months — often a college student on a break is a good fit for this shorter arrangement.
Most au pairs stay with a family for six to twelve months, though some placements run for as long as two years.
What Documentation Do You Need From Your Au Pair?
Requirements depend on nationality and current immigration rules, so it’s worth checking the latest guidance before finalising an offer. As a general starting point, au pairs from EU/EEA countries typically don’t need a visa or work permit to take up an au pair placement in another EU member state, though a doctor’s letter confirming good health (dated within three months of their start date) is usually required on arrival.
Before You Offer an Au Pair Position
Get to know your prospective au pair as well as you can before committing. If they’re already in the country, invite them to your home to meet the family and get a feel for how your household works.
If they’re coming from abroad, use a video call to talk through as much as possible before they arrive, so you can iron out any potential issues early. For example, if you need someone who can drive, confirm they hold a full driving licence and are comfortable driving in Ireland.
Ask for references, particularly from any previous childcare experience — a childcare reference before you make an offer is well worth the extra step.
And as always, agree duties and responsibilities from the start. The more groundwork you do upfront, the better the whole experience is likely to be for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can an au pair work?
Au pairs typically work up to around 30 hours a week, plus up to two evenings of babysitting, with time off guaranteed each week and month.
Does an au pair need a visa to work in Ireland?
This depends on nationality. EU/EEA au pairs generally don’t need a visa or work permit, but it’s important to check current immigration guidance for your au pair’s specific situation.
What household duties can I ask an au pair to do?
Childcare comes first, along with light housework like tidying, laundry and helping in the kitchen. Heavier housework, such as mowing the lawn, shouldn’t be part of the arrangement.
How long do au pairs usually stay with a family?
Most placements last between six and twelve months, though summer-only stays of a couple of months and longer stays of up to two years are both common.
What should I do before offering an au pair a position?
Get to know them as well as you can beforehand, agree on duties and hours from the outset, and ask for references — ideally from previous childcare experience.
You Might Also Like
- 10 of the Most Essential Things To Tell Your Babysitter
- Choosing the Right Childcare for Your Family
- Settling a New Carer Into Your Home
Save These Tips for Later
Weighing up your childcare options? Save this guide so you have it handy when you’re ready to start the au pair search, and browse our family-life hub for more childcare ideas.
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