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[quote=Anonymous]Here we are, in our 7th year of hosting. We are busy family of 5, mom and dad working full time with longish commutes. We have had 8APs in 7 years (1 rematch, no extension) and we feel blessed by the relationships we have made with all these wonderful girls. But it’s clear to us that we are quickly aging out of the program.

Having an AP was really ideal during the elementary school years. Our APs used to help a lot with homework, but that’s not needed anymore now that our kids are in middle and high school. APs also babysat the odd Saturday morning or night, but now that our kids are old enough to babysit themselves. APs helping in the morning with making lunches and driving kids to school was great, but now they all make their own lunches and walk to school. Basically our AP is now an after-school driver, cook helper, and chore supervisor (of course she is much more than that, as an integrated member of our family…).

I have also noticed that the relationship with our kids has evolved over the years. Our kids are becoming more independent and want to spend more time with their friends. They are less receptive to ‘another adult’ in the house who will at some point nag them to put their backpack and shoes away. I find it a bit sad for our current AP. She is so active, creative and energetic and always trying to motivate the kids to do things, but our kids are in another phase where they pretty much want to chill and do things on their own terms. She does get them to cook and bake with her, which is great. On the other hand, she gets a pretty easy gig: 2-7PM Monday to Friday, eating dinner with us included in her hours.

I am surprised we got here so quickly. Even last fall I thought we would be in it for a few more years (I was considering extending with current AP). I naively thought we would have Au Pairs until my oldest has her driver’s license, but I am thinking that at this point, having an AP feels more like a luxury.

I know this is more of a personal story than a question, but I am curious to hear from other host parents...
Has anyone successfully kept up with the program through the teenage years? Any tips to share?
When do you plan to age out of the program? What comes next? 
Anyone considering hosting exchange students to maintain the exchange part of the program?
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