Anyone who's seen The Incredibles knows that even superkids need watching. Where would any mom be without some help to get her out of the house for a date night, to cook bowtie pasta just the way the kids crave it and occasionally to bathe the family's furry friends. But when it comes to choosing in-home care, many parents are at a loss. It's not hard to see why: With pop culture throwing everything from Supernanny to The Baby-Sitters Club at parents, it's hard to figure out just who you need.

In-home providers come in several forms:

Au pairs
Au pairs are European students who enter the United States to work as a primary caregiver for an American family. Au pair programs are regulated by the U.S. government. If you choose this type of in-home care, be aware that au pairs have required housing arrangements, weekly stipends and scheduled programs that they must complete with their host family throughout the year. Most parents who prefer au pairs like their "older sibling" appeal ‑- they're often an instant international brother or sister for tweens and teens.