Work for travellers – what are your options?

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Heading overseas for an extended period of time is a great way to see the world and to experience other cultures. But unless you have come into a lot of money recently you will need to pick up a job or two to keep you going. Getting work overseas can really add to the experience,…

5 myths about au pairs

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Au pairs may be one of the most misunderstood jobs out there. For some reason – perhaps thanks to Hollywood movies – a lot of people have a very different idea of what having an au pair is really like in real life. We bust some of the more popular myths about au pairs: Myth…

Preparing for your return to work

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You’ve spent the past few months in baby bliss but now it’s time to start thinking about going back to work. Whether your return to work is something that excites you and has you knocking down the door at the au pair agency, or makes you groan and drag your feet at the thought, you’ll…

A Typical Day in the Life of an Aussie Au Pair

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If you love working with children and are looking for an experience away from home, an au pair may be the perfect role for you. The demand for au pairs in Australia is increasing, as more and more mothers choose to return to work, and seek cost effective alternatives to childcare centres. Australia is a…

Think You Want to Be a Nanny? Take Our Quiz to Find Out!

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Working as a nanny involves a lot of dedication and responsibility, but it can be very rewarding. If you are interested in becoming a nanny, the first step is to gather as much information as possible in terms of the work tasks involved and the training and qualification requirements. Read on to take a look…

Can a Nanny be More Cost-Effective than a Childcare Centre?

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With the high cost of childcare and the often low availability of places, many Australian families are turning to nannies and au pairs to care for their children. While the term ‘nanny’ might conjure up images of posh British families with hyphenated names, this picture is no longer accurate. Nannies can often provide an affordable…

Government to Extend Working Visas for Nannies and Au Pairs

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The Australian Government recently made the decision to extend the time restriction on working holiday visas for nannies and au pairs. This means that foreign nannies and au pairs will now be able to apply to work for 12 months, rather than six, with the same employer, providing greater continuity of care for families and…

Five Fabulous Tips for Busy Mums

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Whether you work full or part-time, work from home, or are a stay-at-home mum, it’s pretty common to feel that there are never enough hours in the day. While everyone has their own ideas about getting things done (and we know you’re a great multi-tasker!), most people can use a little help now and again.…

Looking to Find a Nanny? Nine Qualities that Count

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The search for a nanny can be daunting. Knowing that this person will be spending a lot of time with your child or children means there’s a certain expectation that you need to get it just right. Thinking about what makes a great nanny can be a useful way to help focus your search and…

Top Tips for Successful Relationships with Au Pairs

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For anyone looking to hire an au pair, it’s essential to understand that building a successful relationship is integral to a great outcome for you, your children and for your au pair. There are plenty of wonderful au pairs in Australia, and some preparation on your behalf will not only ensure you find the right…

High Childcare Costs Make Au Pairs A Popular Choice

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Any parent knows that childcare is expensive. In Australia, the cost of childcare, especially for very young children, is among the highest in the world. Estimates of childcare costs for long day-care in 2014 from the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling put the average national cost of childcare at $75 per day, with…

Thinking of Getting an Au Pair? Here’s How it Works

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If you’re considering getting an au pair, you are not alone. Increasing numbers of families in Australia are turning to au pairs for a flexible solution to their childcare needs. With a lack of affordable childcare solutions, and many extended families living long distances apart, the demand for au pairs is at an all time…

What Should You Think About Before Hosting an Au Pair?

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For many families who are trying to juggle modern life, hosting an Au Pair to help with childcare and light housework is the ideal solution. Au Pairs and Demi Pairs provide live in full or part time childcare and housework duties so parents can work or meet other commitments with the minimum of stress or…

In-Home Childcare Options for Busy Families

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Modern life is busy, and with families becoming increasingly dispersed, there is often little assistance available from relatives. More busy families are turning to paid childcare for help in managing their family life and domestic chores along with employment, study or other commitments. All families are different and have different needs. A family with one…

Why Should You Use An Au Pair Agency?

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Family life is busy, especially if you are both working parents or trying to meet other commitments. Even without extra pressure, keeping up with childcare and housework is exhausting, and many parents choose to hire an au pair to help out around the house and look after the children so they can work, pursue other…

Select Au Pairs and Nannies

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Finding the right person to look after your little ones is an important decision. The person you choose to take care of your children needs to be someone you can trust and feel comfortable with, especially if they are going to be living in your home. Finding and screening potential candidates can be time consuming…