How much of who we become is determined by science – by the unique genes that make up our particular DNA? And, how much is determined by our environment – the family, social circumstances and culture in which we are raised? This nature vs. nurture battles has been going on for centuries. The most recent incarnation focuses on gender-neutral parenting, the idea of raising a child in a non-gender-specific way. [...] Read More »

Julia Mertins, age 23, is a speech therapist and professional au pair from Frankfurt, Germany. She is currently living and working with the Schulenburg family of Winnetka, Illinois, and caring for their two boys, Luke (age 10) and Bennett (age 7). Julia is the second runner up for PROaupair’s 2017 Au Pair of the Year competition. [...] Read More »

Sophia Leonhardt, age 25, is an occupational therapist from the Bayern region of Germany. She spent the last year living and working with the Schuller family of Troy, Michigan and caring for their three children: ages 9, 2 and 1. Sophia is the first runner up for PROaupair’s 2017 Au Pair of the Year competition. [...] Read More »

Last week we announced the winner of PROaupair’s 2017 Au Pair of the Year competition: Maren Fander, a 26-year-old speech therapist and professional au pair from the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. Today, learn a little more about Maren, her American host family, and why she deserves the title of Au Pair of the Year. [...] Read More »

One in five children have or have had a mental health disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A recent ”On Parenting” article in the Washington Post discussed ways in which school faculty can help children with mental health disorders, even without a therapist on staff. Many of these ideas can also be translated to the home and be supported by your professional au pair. [...] Read More »