Why We Chose an Au Pair Over Daycare – A Working Mom’s Story | Childcare Solutions for Families

From Corporate Life to Parenthood

Three and a half years ago, I was an executive at a global hotel company, married (at this point) less than two years to the most amazing man I had ever met, and pregnant with our first child. Life had never been better. Then suddenly—and somewhat unexpectedly—I was jolted into a new reality. My first son arrived more than five weeks early, and given our demanding careers and limited time outside our jobs (and commuting—curse you, DC area traffic), my husband and I were ill-prepared. No crib, no nursery paint, no preemie clothes, no nursing bras. Nothing… except a coveted slot at one of the highest-rated daycare centers in Fairfax County, Virginia.

The Reality of Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

I was fortunate to be granted three months of maternity leave, which allowed me time to adjust. These months became a crash course in new parenthood, sleep deprivation, and seemingly endless tears. With the help of family, we eventually bought what we needed and set up his room. Slowly, we settled into life as a new family. But during this time, I experienced a shift in myself. Midway through my leave, I began dreading the inevitable return to work—a surprise, given how much I loved my career. A part of me wanted to stay home, another part wanted to continue working, but no part of me wanted to leave my child with people I didn’t know all day, every day, in a room full of other people’s babies. (No offense, other people’s babies.)

The Emotional Toll of Daycare Drop-Offs

Nonetheless, I returned to work. I cried the entire 11-mile commute (45 minutes—curse you again, DC traffic), and when my son was about six months old, he began crying too—on the way there, and again when we entered the infant room. Between my guilt and separation anxiety, I started applying makeup in the parking lot before walking into the office. I knew something had to give. So, I began interviewing nanny candidates.

The Nanny Search That Led Nowhere

I searched for months. I met with over two dozen potential caregivers, but none gave me confidence that they’d be better than the trained professionals at the daycare. Some made me uncomfortable. All were more expensive. Then, while pregnant with our second child, a coworker mentioned she had matched with an au pair through Au Pair in America. I had no idea what an au pair was, but after a quick explanation and review of the cost, I went straight to their website, read everything, and applied the next day.

Discovering the Benefits of Hosting an Au Pair

It was amazing. I gained instant access to hundreds of profiles of qualified international au pairs—far more options than I’d had with local nanny searches. The information provided was comprehensive: backgrounds, work experience, education, family life, and cultural details. I instantly regretted not learning about the au pair program sooner.

A Life-Changing Childcare Decision

Four months later, after my second maternity leave, I picked up our au pair from the airport. A smart, kind, loving, and responsible Brazilian woman joined our family that day. She changed our lives. She cared for our children like they were her own—creative, attentive, patient (with them and me), tidy, and joyful. She fit seamlessly into our home and gave me a gift no one else could: peace of mind.

Paying It Forward as an Au Pair Community Counselor

I’m now on my second au pair and couldn’t be happier. In fact, I believe in this program so deeply that I became a Community Counselor with Au Pair in America, supporting other host families and au pairs through the process. It might sound dramatic to say one person changed everything for me—but it’s true.

Is an Au Pair the Right Choice for Your Family?

Childcare decisions are deeply personal. Some children and families thrive in daycare or with a nanny. But for other working parents—especially those feeling stuck, guilty, or overwhelmed—I strongly encourage you to consider hosting an au pair. Visit www.aupairinamerica.com to learn more, or connect with other host families in your area. It just might change your life too.

By Guest Blogger Brett Stewart

*Sponsored by Au Pair in America 

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