Need ideas for expectations for an au pair/friend of family coming next week?

Question

We have a family friend's teenager (never met her) coming from Honduras next week for a month. The idea is that she gets room/board and helps with my two preschoolers. They are insisting I don't actually pay her, although I AM going to give her pocket money. I need ideas on what kind of guidelines to give her. What hours during the week/weekend? I'm thinking maybe three hours a day during the week and one weekend night? Of course she'll spend time with us most of the time anyway, she has no drivers liscense...

I guess I just need some helpful hints from anyone out there that has had an aupair/teen come to your home.

Answer 1

I currently have an au pair, and had one other in the past.  I can't really tell you what you should expect her to work, but I can tell you the rules for actual au pairs per the US Dept. of State (they administer the programs).

Au pairs are paid a weekly stipend of approximately $160.00, and can care for no more than 4 children.  They get paid the same whether they care for one or four.  You cannot "share" an au pair with another family.

They require their own room, but may share a bath.  You are required to pay for their room and board, but they buy their own personal items.  They are responsible for all child-related tasks, but not necessarily household chores.  For example, you may ask that they clean your child's room, vacuum it, and do his laundry, but she may not be asked to do yours, or clean non-kid areas of the home.  They can cook and shop for the children.  Basically, you can't ask her to clean your toilet!

They work a maximum of 45 hours per week, no more than 10 hours per day.  They are entitled to a day and a half off each week, and one weekend per month.  They accrue vacation time that amounts to 2 weeks of paid time off in a year.

I hope that helps you decide on her schedule!  Personally, I'd ask her to do more than you outlined in your question.