The costs of daycare centers are continually rising, sometimes reaching up to €100 per child per day. When you compare this to the pocket money au pairs earn, it’s clear why many families prefer flexible in-home care.
While some families are fortunate enough to find affordable childcare nearby, it is becoming increasingly common for daycare centers to be full or have long waiting lists, forcing you to look for childcare options. Next to this, if you have multiple children needing daytime care, an au pair can be an ideal solution. An au pair also offers more flexible hours than daycare, eliminating the need to drop off and pick up your children at specific times.
Many families find the au pair program to be a cost-effective option for childcare, particularly when considering the flexibility, cultural exchange, and potential for long-term arrangements. Although the host family pays program fees, the entire au pair program, including all costs, often turns out to be more affordable than hiring a full-time nanny or using childcare services.