Recently, several parents have written into the discussion boards asking about Au pair expenses and Au Pair rules.

I thought it may be worthwhile to talk about what au pair expenses to pay for... and what au pair expenses NOT to pay for....

Remember, au pairs are adults! You should treat them like adults and they should act like independent adults in return.

HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD PAY FOR WHEN IT COMES TO
AU PAIR EXPENSES....

• All meals and activities that you attend together. (museums, dinner, etc)
• All activities related to your child. Potentially have a slush fund for weekly activities.
• All transport to and from school (a monthly public transportation pass is a great idea!)
• Setting up your aupair: shampoo, conditioner, a phone card, favorite foods, etc.
• Reasonable food requests
• Basic cell phone program to contact you in case of an emergency
• Expenses related to a vacation if they are working while on the vacation

AU PAIR EXPENSES YOU SHOULDN'T PAY FOR: EVERYTHING ELSE! FOR EXAMPLE:

• More than than the standard weekly stipend. Some host parents offer more money than the standard au pair agreement. I'm not certain it is necessary unless the au pair has truly exceptional skills.
• Gas for personal car use. If your au pair wants to go out, they should pay for the car/gas.
• Unreasonable grocery requests aka "everything needs to be organic" or Halloween size Candy bags weekly. (Yes, I have had both!)
• Grocery bills that are submitted to you unless you have an agreement before hand. For example, "you can  go to the Korean market once per week and I will reimburse you $20/week."
• Au Pair Toiletries- shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. Definitely have some for them when they arrive, but you shouldn't pay for these monthly!
• Calls to your au pairs home country- although it is nice to get your au pair a calling card for her first month!
• Outrageous cell phone bills! DO NOT let the $900 cell phone bill slide.
• Expenses from car accidents, when they are off duty. Make them pay for the deductible.

Have questions or tips on what to pay for or what not to pay for? We would love to hear!