đź“© My First Week with an Au Pair: A Life-Changing Experience as a Working Homeschool Mom
Hey Mama,
This past week has been nothing short of transformative. Bringing an au pair into our home has completely changed the way I parent, homeschool, and work—and I want to share the real, raw experience with you. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin trying to do it all, this might be the push you need to rethink how you approach childcare and homeschooling support.
Meeting Someone New & Wonderful
Despite many months of exchanging messages with her (almost) daily and feeling connected and comfortable with everything I was continuing to learn about her. I won’t lie—I was nervous about inviting someone into our home to help with the kids.
But from the moment our au pair arrived, my children instantly connected with her. Their excitement, the ease with which they accepted her into their daily lives, and the joy of having an extra set of hands (and heart) in our home was reassuring.
The Mental Load Has Lifted
As moms, we carry so much in our minds: snacks, nap schedules, meal prep, keeping everyone entertained, and somehow still making time for quality lessons and connection. This week, I’ve experienced something I haven’t felt ever in motherhood—mental clarity.
No longer do I have to juggle planning AND executing every detail of their day while replying to emails and hopping on calls during nap time.
More Meaningful & Relaxed Lessons
Because my au pair is here, I’m able to give my kids my undivided attention when I’m teaching. Lessons aren’t rushed, I’m more patient, and I see my kids thriving because they feel seen and heard. There’s a calmness in our homeschool days now that I didn’t even realize we were missing.
I'd even venture to say that the calmness is me because I am calmer and less distracted, more thoughtful with my actions and words and able to stay in the moment as long as my kids want me to be.
The Hardest Part? Me.
I’ve always known that I struggle with delegating, trusting others, and making space for myself—but this week has made it crystal clear. Having an au pair has forced me to confront just how much I stand in my own way.
I’ve spent so many years believing that no one could handle my children’s needs the way I do, that letting go of even the smallest tasks felt impossible for fear of judgement. But I see now that I wasn’t just protecting my kids—I was holding myself back.
Allowing someone else that feels like safe for me to step in and help has been uncomfortable at times, but it’s also been freeing. My kids are happy. They’re learning. They’re being cared for by someone we trust. And most importantly, I am finally making space for myself again.
Let’s Be Real—Parents Need Support
For too long, I believed I could juggle everything on my own with my husband. But the truth? It’s unrealistic. Homeschooling while working full-time without support is incredibly hard, and there’s no shame in seeking help that aligns with your family's values and goals.
If you’ve been struggling with balance, I encourage you to think outside the box. Daycare/public school aren't the only childcare solutions. There are so many alternative childcare options for homeschooling moms that work full-time—from au pairs to nanny shares, microschools, homeschool daycares, and more.
Check out my post on alternative childcare solutions below for more ideas and start building the support system you deserve. ⤵️
You don’t have to do this alone. And trust me—once you release the pressure of “doing it all,” you’ll never want to go back.
With grace and grit,
Imani đź’›
Imani Rodney
