Au Pair Advice
Advice for Host Families and Au Pairs
Au Pair USA provides detailed information and advice for host families and au pairs when they join the program to help them make the best of their time together. Some of our most important tips include:
- Speaking at least twice via telephone before agreeing to a match. Get to know each other's personalities. Do not rely solely on email communication.
- Host families should prepare a list of expectations and house rules to discuss with your au pair. Establish a daily schedule for your au pair. In any new living arrangement, it is best to make wishes and expectations known early. Remember that au pairs are young adults who will want to enjoy their recreation time. Make sure that you both understand what you each expect in terms of house rules, responsibilities, curfews, driving privilidges, meal preparation, disciplining the kids, etc.
- Apply early. Occasionally there are delays in processing visa applications at foreign embassies and consulates. While most of these delays do not present a problem with an au pair’s arrival date, it is wise to have a short-term backup childcare plan in case your au pair’s arrival is delayed.
- Prepare a warm welcome for your au pair. They are far from home and in unfamiliar surroundings, and may be experiencing culture shock. Many au pairs would appreciate being welcomed as a member of your family.
