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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We can afford any type of childcare, we simply prefer the au pair program for a number of reasons. [/quote]

I seriously doubt this. Who in their right mind would choose an inexperienced young adult from another country over the best daycare program. Especially if you supposedly can afford any type of childcare. [/quote]

I've had nannies. I used to be a nanny as well, back in college and grad school, so I know childcare pretty well. I had an amazing nanny for 4.5 years and we loved her but she got her Masters while working for us and went on to work for the UN and is now a program director working for children in her region of origin. We had 1 and then 2 babies while she was with us, and different work schedules.

I now have 3 kids and both parents work very busy and unpredictable schedules, including many evening events. Daycares don't cover evenings and most nannies will only work a reliable 9-5 type schedule (or 8-6/7-7/whatever). We need after school and evening care most nights, but occasional mornings and occasional weekend work as well. Sure, we could cobble together something with multiple caregivers but it wouldn't be as pleasant or good for all of our family as having one good, reliable au pair. We source from one European country where we have family background, know their language and provide lots of perks (not told up front because we don't want to get a princess au pair). We pay more than the minimum stipend to our au pairs because we feel they earn it. We've happily hosted 4 au pairs with no rematch because we search very carefully and are also extremely honest with our needs (and our unpredictable schedule) upfront.

Our friends who know our childcare needs and our au pairs think they're great and often mention how they wish they had room to host an au pair, or could find a childcare solution for their family that fit their needs as much as our au pair fits ours. I assure you I'm perfectly sane and know my options and firmly believe an au pair is the best choice for our family. Our children have adored each au pair. They have a very different relationship than they would have with most nannies (not to say it is better, I had a wonderful nanny as a child and I was a nanny and am still close with "my" kids), and they are also able to engage in some of their cultural heritage through the au pair. [/quote]

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