The au pair program has a somewhat elitist image, entirely unjustly. However in practicality it shows a much more mixed picture. Our host families are mainly internationally oriented and find it an enrichment to have someone from another culture in their home. Someone who also brings a lot of peace to the house during the busy hours with hectic work schedules and demands of raising children. The costs of an au pair are often no higher than regular childcare, especially if you take into account that an au pair may also perform light household tasks. If you want to participate in the au pair program as a host family, your family income must be ‘sufficient, sustainable and independent’ according to the standards of the IND. New standards for income are published on the IND website every six months: To the IND website.