Suitable duties for au pairs and nannies

• caring for children

• taking children to school and activities and collecting them
• assisting children with homework
• preparing meals for children, washing up and keeping kitchen tidy after cooking
• tidying children's toys
• vacuuming or sweeping in kitchen and children's rooms
• children's laundry, ironing and organizing children's clothing in wardrobes
• changing children's beds
• emptying dishwasher
• emptying bins when necessary
• light shopping (not weekly shopping)
• helping to prepare family meals if the au pair/nanny herself is invited
• keeping her own room and bathroom tidy and clean

Au pairs should not be asked to do any heavy cleaning (bathrooms, dusting, polishing, washing floors), gardening or any chores regarding the parents. Nannies can do more housework than au pairs. However, keep in mind that nannies are professional childcarers and usually prefer duties involving children rather than housework. Any additional housework duties not listed above should be discussed in detail with the nanny prior to making her a job offer.

See also: What is an au pair? | What is a nanny?