By Caroline McIntosh

Taking a full time Nanny or AuPair into your home is a big decision to make. A person who will live in your home, and spend time with your children and take care of your home is big decision to make, and there are pros and cons in having a live-in Nanny or live-in AuPair. If you could add another duty to the list of services your Nanny or AuPair could provide, an even more worthwhile and rewarding experience could be had by all. An arrangement with a Non-English speaking Nanny or AuPair, or one who speaks two languages fluently could be mutually beneficial. You get the childcare you need, and someone who can teach your children to speak another language, and your nanny gets a place to stay and experience teaching their language to children who speak English natively.

Studies have shown that children who are taught to speak a second language have a high success rate at becoming fluent in that language, as well as their own native tongue. Not only is learning a second language easier for children than it is for adults, but it has been proven that children who are exposed to a second language between the ages of 6 months and 9 years old generally do better in school, are better problem solvers, are more open to diversity and tend to score higher in standardized tests. In many countries, children are taught to speak two languages at school from a very early age, and go on to speak fluently in both languages for the rest of their lives.

When your children learn a new language, they are being opened up to another way of life - another culture. It can be a very rewarding experience for your child to learn and understand how other children live. Not to mention the possibilities for their future - being fluent in two languages can open up career opportunities such as being a translator, teacher, or having the ability to work in other countries where the language is spoken.

Offering student accommodation to overseas guests can also be a way of introducing other languages and cultures into your home. A student or backpacker who can provide you with the home services you need, such as childcare or babysitting and help with the house work while they study, can be a great alternative to having a full time nanny or AuPair. Perhaps your family doesn't need the full time assistance from an AuPair, but having someone who could be available to provide childcare when you need it, while still fulfilling other commitments such as studying could be another way that acting as a host family could benefit you and your children.

Now, it is possible to find such Nannies and backpackers online, with the birth of a new and exciting way to connect with these people.