Bonus?

[Anonymous]

Our AP has been with us one year today and is extending with us for another 9 months. We love her and she is amazing. Other than a card, is a bonus or anything customary? this is our first time hosting!

[Anonymous]

We've given a bonus at extension. Think of all the hours that you won't spend skyping with candidates, and figure out a bonus that reflects your escape from that fate!

[Anonymous]

What is a typical amount? I am so clueless!

[Anonymous]

I have given me extending AP the money I saved on the fee. It basically bought her a ticket home at Xmas.

[Anonymous]

I've given a bonus of part of the money I save on extension au pair vs. new au pair from the agency. usually around $500. or I pay for the AP's flight home and back to Europe to visit family in between.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I read another thread which made me think about giving her a raise each week (from 200 to 250) and how that might be better. That way AP won't waste it all in one place! Our AP has already been home twice this year and her family is celebrating Xmas in the US this year (we bought this flight for her already).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. I read another thread which made me think about giving her a raise each week (from 200 to 250) and how that might be better. That way AP won't waste it all in one place! Our AP has already been home twice this year and her family is celebrating Xmas in the US this year (we bought this flight for her already).

I am a nanny who occasionally peruses the AP forum, but I think this is a lovely idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. I read another thread which made me think about giving her a raise each week (from 200 to 250) and how that might be better. That way AP won't waste it all in one place! Our AP has already been home twice this year and her family is celebrating Xmas in the US this year (we bought this flight for her already).

HM here- that's a good plan. if you give her a bonus, and she leaves early for some reason, then you're out the bonus money

[Anonymous]

we offered a completion bonus, due at her travel month. too many stories about extensions gone wrong. It was the amount we were saving plus some extra.

[Anonymous]

We gave our AP the extension savings from the agency. I don't remember that exact amount, but I believe it was north of $1k.

[Anonymous]

We give lots of bonuses and raises for great APs. It varies but I give say $100 at 6 months. Stipend starts at $200 base (we always round up), then bump to $210 at 6 months, and then another $10 in 3 month increments, if deserved. $100+ for their vacation week, same thing if they come with us on vacation (they are paid, are in a fun location, but they are away from their home base and friends). Money at xmas and when they leave. Our AP is extending for 6 months through CCAP, we paid her application fee ($250+/-), will give her another stipend increase, and probably an additional $200 for completing her first year.

[Anonymous]

Not every host family pays a huge bonus. Do what you can, but don't stretch your budget thinking you *have* to give thousands of dollars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We gave our AP the extension savings from the agency. I don't remember that exact amount, but I believe it was north of $1k.

Best idea yet!

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, I hosted 3 APs and never gave a bonus. Never gave a thought to it as my budget would not have allowed it. I was doing extra tutoring at night just to afford her. (I'm a teacher.) All 3 of my APs extended. (2 Brazilians, 1 French) My daughter and I are a great family (brag brag) so that was bonus enough