getting an au-pair

having just given birth to a gorgeous 5 day old, i am wondering how on earth i will cope with my energetic 2y.o. once hubby goes back to work next week.... any tips from those who know?

one of the options i have thought about is to get an au-pair (live-in)....
-can anyone recommend a website
- or an au-pair, who is available to work now in the south-eastern suburbs of melbourne
- what is the going rate for an au-pair: any tips on doing my research re: what to look for, etc etc

thanks kindly for any input!!

Obviously I don't know what you're going through, but speaking to all of my friends who have a toddler and a newborn, they all say it'll get easier.

You're baby is only 5 days old... IMO you need to give yourself (and your toddler) some time to adjust to have a new one around before you start looking for an au-pair.

Sorry not much help here!- but I just wanted to say you can do it hun! Have faith in your mothering ability and you'll amaze yourself at what you can achieve!
All the best!

Don't stress, you will work it out and find your rhythm. Everything will fall into place. There'll be tough days, but there are no matter how many children you have. You'll be fine! :)

If you contact one of the agencies they can help place an au-pair with you. If you go through an agency they have the authority to do all the screening for you and also lots of them will match you with another au-pair if the first one isn't a good fit.
I think an extra pair of hands around the house is a great idea however you can save a lot of tension by defining very clearly what your expectations are before she starts.

thanks, you guys have more confidence in me than i do!!!

i'm still thinking i'd like to atleast look at getting an aupair though..... i can't keep up with DS1 and he needs to get out and have lots of activity. Why isn't there a 2y.o. kinder!!!! :lol:

:lol: :pray: :lol:

This is also something I've briefly looked into and will again in a few weeks. I've decide if I do I'll be going through an agency for safety reasons but also something to fall back onto.

Having a list of expectations is must, I wish I'd bookmarked a page I found last time but alas I didn't so can't share, it has so much information including agencies and websites.

An au pair from overseas is significantly more affordable than a non live in nanny and childcare. If we had a house with enough space we would definitely consider it. I love the idea that my kids would get exposure to another language too.

Oh I remember I read the average cost of one is $80-$160 pw plus agency fee, for 20-30 hrs pw and includes all living costs. Only includes housework that is directly related to the children

We will be looking for a nanny in a few months and I've already decided that we will be going through an agency because I want the screening they provide plus the work history so that I can confirm real references. I'm so anxious about leaving DS with a stranger as it is. I will definitely want the applicants to have experience and all their vaccinations as well as solid references. The other thing to consider is whether you want them to drive your children in which case you would want proof of a good driving record.

It sounds to me like you will probably be at home while the au pair is there which means that you will get a really good sense of how she interacts with your children - that's a great advantage in my book.

hi all

yeah - bullej, the idea is that the au-pair would primarily be assisting with DS1, who is 2, and has the energy of a thousand gazelles, so that i can keep my head above water with DS2.

re: $80-$150 weekly fee....
i think it's a pretty good deal, given that we already spend on the lower end of that for the occasional babysitter as it is....

/Tanya

Don't forget you have to pay into superannuation for them on top of that fee and do all the tax stuff for them as techically you become an employer...check into it carefully as most agencies don't cover this aspect, they expect you to....

I can recommend a nanny if you live in the eastern burbs who has a police check and WWC card. Plenty of references etc.

She is just over 30 and wonderful with children. Would leave my grandsons with her if I ever needed to.

If they live with you instead of coming daily there is alot of paper work involved as Melbel has stated.

hi Rivlas

that would be great thanks - do you know whether this nanny is available mornings - and what she charges?

please PM me - ta!

tanyaya, sent you a pm