18/03/2025
"We are looking for Mary Poppins!"
This is a phrase we often hear at TRIP AND FAMILY.
The gentle, creative, and caring image of this Disney character is a dream for many families. But was Mary Poppins really an au pair?
In the film and books, Mary Poppins is a childcare professional (she is also a life coach and a magician in her spare time... but that's another story).
Her role is well defined:
✅ She is hired to take care of children, often full-time.
✅ She is experienced and qualified, with real educational authority.
✅ She manages the children's daily lives and education.
✅ She lives with the family but as a paid employee.
Mary Poppins is not an au pair but a professional nanny, employed for the well-being and education of the children.
An au pair, on the other hand, is a young person from another country who comes for a cultural and linguistic exchange. They become part of the family’s daily life, but their role is very different from that of a nanny.
✅ Main objective: cultural immersion and language learning.
✅ Experience: varies, but usually limited to occasional babysitting and/or student jobs in holiday centers.
✅ Tasks: daily help with children and light household duties (school drop-off and pick-up, taking children to activities, preparing snacks, etc.), but without an educational role.
✅ Working hours: limited (usually 25-30 hours per week).
✅ Compensation: pocket money (between €100 and €120 per week at Trip and Family).
✅ Status: temporary family member (not an employee).
💫 Finding the Right Balance:
If you’re looking for someone to take full responsibility for your children with real educational expertise and professional commitment, then a nanny is the right solution.
If you want to offer your children cultural exposure while benefiting from a bit of support, then an au pair is the ideal choice.
✨ Exciting news! TRIP AND FAMILY has just launched a new service: "To Host a Nanny" !
Don’t hesitate to contact us... to find your very own Mary Poppins!
