We’ve hosted au pairs for the last 4.5 years, and I have mixed feelings about it. But I want to lay out some things that I think are misunderstood about the program.
Children and parenting
Book review: The Anthropology of Childhood
I read David Lancy’s “The Anthropology of Childhood: Cherubs, Chattel, and Changelings” and highlighted some passages. A lot of passages, it turns out.
On scruffy spaces
Now that I’ve actually tried it, I see more of the backstory behind these photos. Know who assembled, maintained, and photographed these rooms? Adults.
How much do kids cost? The first 5 years
We’ve spent about $106,760 in cash, or about $150,000 including lost earnings.
Parenting philosophy
I try to focus on what makes life better in the short and medium term rather than trying to mold my children’s personalities or futures. Most of that is already done by genetics.
Cost comparison of childcare
Daycare • au pair • nanny
Gift ideas for age 0 -2
that won’t drive anyone crazy
Preventing child sexual abuse
I think it’s important to know the actual risks, because in the past programs have been aimed at preventing risks that weren’t particularly likely.
Reducing schizophrenia risk
My plan was to reassure myself that my kids were unlikely to get schizophrenia, but it turns out reading a lot about schizophrenia was not a good way to put myself at ease.
Tradeoffs in child health
It’s one thing to intend to avoid neurotoxins, but another to arrive at the grandparents’ house and find they’ve just had ant poison sprayed. What do you do then?