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[quote=Anonymous]Around 24-26$ sounds about right.  We've had au pairs for so many years running that I probably won't know the true cost until we're done and can compare.  Little things like use of electricity, gas (car & house), extra loads of laundry, extra person when out for dinner, groceries, etc etc are hard to guestimate.

My kids are now older (13 and 10) and we are re-upping for what I think will end up being our last au pair year.  I've thought that before, but when it's come down to it, we've opted to continue with the AP for the flexibility and peace of mind.  Our au pair also serves as mid-day dog walker, occasional errand-runner, and foreign language tutor/support.  If I would hire an afterschool sitter/driver, and also need to hire someone to do these other jobs, it would be cheaper but I think a savings of around maybe 8-10K max.

Our reason for finishing with the program after the next year is less about the $, and more about the dynamic with an older child entering HS and younger child entering MS.  One thing I've noticed is that because we have the au pair, there are things the kids can and should be doing to help out around the house that they frequently skate by on because the AP will do it for them (such as laundry, making own lunch, etc).  Surprisingly, our older child has no issue with having an AP and is happy to have the company afterschool, etc.  I had expected some friction given shrinking age difference between older child and AP but that doesn't seem to be an issue for us.

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