One of my children would be an excellent AP; the other has special needs and could not live on his own in another country.

For the one who would be an excellent AP, it is in some measure because of the wonderful APs who have helped us instill in her a good work ethic, a clear sense of others' perspectives, a strong measure of responsibility, and a worldly outlook that she would be such an excellent candidate for the au pair program.

In fact, we have often said that she will be ready for the AP program about when our AP from three years ago will be ready for an AP (this AP has a serious boyfriend and will likely be married and having children in a few years). This AP has said she would LOVE to have my daughter as her children's AP, because she knows first hand the kind of upbringing she has had and that she is NOT AT ALL lazy, irresponsible, or coddled.

I think my children would be horrible au pairs and I would steer them away from doing that.

1. None of them like younger children.
2. None of them need another family's support to go explore another country. They've been traveling internationally for over a decade and are very comfortable exploring. Being stuck with some family that has rules would cramp their travel style.

Since you asked, I think my child would be a great au pair. She has a natural helping tendency, loves taking care of other kids, and is an extrovert who likes to meet people and explore. Thanks for asking!

Or would your child be lazy and irresponsible, because they were coddled all their life (with someone else to wipe up the crumbs on the kitchen counter)?