A typical au pair schedule (25–30 hours)

Principles of a sustainable schedule

A good schedule spreads the hours across the week, protects rest and class time, and stays readable for everyone. Put it in writing before arrival, then adjust after the first week.

• A clear daily maximum and a weekly total within the agreed range.
• At least one full day off per week, fixed if possible.
• Protected slots for language classes and personal life.
• No tasks outside planned hours without explicit agreement.

An example of a balanced week

The model below spreads around 25 hours over five days, with free weekday mornings for classes. Adapt the slots to your reality and confirm them together.

• Monday–Friday: 7–9am (wake-up and getting ready) and 4:30–7:30pm (school pick-up, dinner, bath).
• Two babysitting evenings a week, offset by free mornings.
• Wednesday afternoon: extended care if it is part of the agreement.
• Saturday morning: occasional slot, with rest time moved to a weekday.

Three variants for different needs

• “Morning” family: the au pair takes over early, evenings are free.
• “Evening” family: the au pair covers late afternoon and bedtime.
• “Flexible” family: split hours, with written tracking of real hours.

Tracking hours without conflict

A shared hours sheet, filled in daily, turns a sensitive discussion into a simple reading of facts. It is the best tool against burnout and disagreements.

• Keep a visible sheet (fridge or online) updated every day.
• A 10-minute Friday check-in to balance the following week.
• Log overtime and give it back as time off, never let it lapse.
• Review the schedule after the first month, once habits settle.