This is very popular and common with school age kids.

The 2 hour minimum is at least required by some programs (maybe AuPairinAmerica?) because I remember seeing it on the website. I doubt that’s a state department requirement. I get the idea behind a 2 hour minimum - so AP can do demo thing meaningful with her time - but I also think if the family and AP are on board with a 1 hr lunch break, that’s fine too. My AP always used her breaks to watch TikTok so it wasn’t a big deal. Not all families can do this - many need to work outside the home or can’t take a 2 hrs midday break from work everyday!

Is the 2 hour minimum required by the program? Makes sense, gives them enough time to do something. We work from home and have thought about this too, haven't tried it yet but would be nice to have flexibility when needed.

Yes, it's called a split shift with a minimum of two hours. Usually the au pair maximizes their free time watching Netflix in their room and still waits to have meals with the kids as something to do though.

Sometimes I take a break WFH and have lunch with the kids and tell the au pair she can take a break for a bit. She usually just goes into her room. I don’t count it against her hours though.

A common benefit of the program is a split schedule. During the year, the au pair is on a split schedule so she’s free from 9-noon. In the summer I gave her the option of taking a lunch break and finish an hour later or working straight through. She wanted the lunch break. I could do that because I worked from home. Most working parents outside the home don’t have that flexibility. That’s why they need childcare.

How could someone give a nanny or aupair a break midday?

When kids were younger and APs worked 9-6 they did not have a break, they ate lunch with DC. DH and I were out of the house working, how could we give a break? Same now that kids are in school, on days when school is closed there is no break. A nanny working those hours also would not get a break. This has never been an issue.

You sound petty. Most au pairs that work a day shift do not get a lunch break, they eat with the kids.

Do you give your AP a lunch break and how long? And does the break count towards work hours?