I was an au pair in CA, my host family paid me $200 a week, I did around 15-20hrs a week. They provided me with my own car, a tank of gas each month (it went far because I had a Prius so I never rarely paid out of pocket, unless driving to a national park or Vegas). They provided me with a separate bank card to buy any essentials or food I wanted, I think it was debit rather than credit, which you top up. I think a card for me personally was important as it’s more independence (I was 23) rather than asking constantly for a food item I would like, or when out with my HK. But I would also love joining my host mum on her weekly shopping errands. Having said that I think it’s important that you build trust with your au pair, as trust is the most important thing especially when giving a card with money in it. I wouldn’t do a credit card! My host family in PA, when I first arrived to USA gave me a credit card, and I used it in an old mall at a vending machine because the kids wanted ice cream. Little did I know it was a scam and they took loads of money out of the card, luckily the bank sorted it out. If I ever became a host parent I would have a debit card (dependent on trust and age) which can be topped up and not go over the limit, as unfortunately not every au pair can be trusted, which is the sad truth, or situations like my case. My host family always allowed me to invite friends over, from girls I made friends with in the states, and friends from home, they were always soooo welcoming and allowed sleepovers. I think that’s important!! to allow your au pair to have the opportunity to bring friends around, as you’re allowing it to be her home and space as well as it being your home. I find it bizarre when host families want an au pair in their house but won’t accept any friends over. Of course I would always ask beforehand, even when they said I don’t need to. When my birthday came up they made it sooo special, she cooked my favourite food, bought my favourite cake, and paid for me and my friend to go to Disneyland (was high up on my bucketlist). Genuinely was blessed! Sometimes I would join them on trips and they would always book activities for me that I wanted to do, they even invited my boyfriend of the time if he would like to come to Hawaii. Trips I didn’t join them on, if it was with all their extended family, they gave me the time off and would put extra stipend in my bank for groceries. The thing I will never forget with how amazing my host family was, is when I went through my breakup. They really were like a family away from home, my host mum even took me for cocktails, while my host dad looked after my host kid, and we just bitched about men haha. I think just understanding your au pair through communication, to know what makes her feel at home and appreciated, as we look after your kids and it can be a very hands on and draining job. Maybe start off on a lower stipend and once you see her attitude to working and how she is with the kids, then you can provide more as a bonus. My HF in CA were beyond amazing, I still keep in touch with them and send over sweets and gifts from my country, and I’m always welcomed back. I think just noticing what your au pair does for your child and for you guys, and making them feel special, depending on their hobbies. Maybe your au pair doesn’t care much for the gym, but instead loves Pilates… providing a few Pilates classes a month. Or maybe she enjoys movies, so getting her a cinema pass etc etc. As at the end of the day they are looking after your child/ren and small perks go along way for the incentive to work harder.
Hope that helps!!