The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Au Pair for Your Family

After shortlisting potential au pairs, arrange a Skype or FaceTime video interview. This is a great way to see how they interact with the family and if there is a personality alignment.

Be clear on what you expect from an au pair regarding child-rearing philosophies, house rules, and conflict resolution. Also, be clear on any deal breakers for the whole family.

Know What You Want

Hiring an au pair is a big decision, and it’s essential to take your time to find the right fit for your family. Taking your time and asking many questions will help you make the best choice.

Many families work with an agency to help find the perfect au pair for them, and they can be a great resource. However, many websites also match au pairs with families; some are free.

Before starting the matching process, figure out your “must haves” and “dealbreakers.” What are the most important traits you want about au pairs? Do you want them to be a part of your children’s lives outside of work, or do you prefer them to have their own life and friends? It’s also essential to think about the day-to-day responsibilities of your home. For example, do you have specific expectations for screen time? If so, be sure to state those in your profile clearly. This will avoid any confusion down the line. Your au pair will appreciate that you have set clear boundaries.

Be Specific

It’s essential to list what I like to call “non-negotiables,” things you are unwilling to compromise on. This will help narrow your search for the perfect au pair for your family.

When selecting an au pair, it’s crucial to talk with them in person a few times and ask the right questions. Knowing about their childcare experience, related skills and interests, and overall personality can help determine if they fit your family best. You should also arrange a video interview with the potential au pair to get to know them better and avoid scammers.

Most au pairs use a program agency that matches them with families in exchange for room and board and a small salary. The Department of State vets these agencies and can offer au pair visas. They also provide support services, resources, and local staff to help au pairs and host families navigate their programs. This can be a considerable benefit as it reduces the stress of finding an au pair and ensures the program complies with federal regulations.

Be Flexible

Au pairs are typically young people from around the world who want to improve their English skills and learn about American culture while working as part of a family for 12 months. They are like a combination of live-in nannies and foreign exchange students and work on a contract for a weekly stipend.

When interviewing candidates, ask them to talk about their past au pair experiences. Understanding how they dealt with homesickness or challenging situations can be helpful. Also, try to schedule online video chats with potential au pairs. These can be easier to manage than face-to-face meetings, allowing you to meet them in their home environment.

Finally, remember to be flexible with expectations. While au pairing horror stories abound of spoiled children and parents who don’t respect au pair work hours or privacy, these incidents can usually be overcome with clear communication and a commitment to making the experience suitable for all. Also, remember that au pairs need breaks–usually two and a half days off in a week and two one-week vacations throughout their 12-month program.

Be Honest

Finding the right host family for your Au Pair experience can feel like dating. It’s essential to consider your “non-negotiables” and what you might be willing to compromise on. This will help you narrow down your pool of applicants and find the best fit for your au pair year abroad.

It’s also important to be honest with your potential hosts about what you want from your experience. If you aren’t uncomfortable driving or doing major housework, inform a potential host before the interview. This will prevent any unexpected problems down the road.

The most successful Au Pair matches are where everyone’s expectations are apparent. Ensure you and your potential host are on the same page about expectations, responsibilities, and schedules before your Au Pair year starts. Then you can enjoy your time together and build a respectful, mutually beneficial relationship.

Be Patient

The au pair pool is enormous, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s essential to be patient with the process and not let frustration set in during the hunt for a family that’s right for you.

A good strategy is to interview a few families weekly and give each one a chance to meet your children and see the space. The interviews also provide an opportunity to address any concerns you may have.

Using an agency can help with the search, but it does come at a cost. An agency can offer a more structured approach to finding an au pair, such as scheduling interviews and providing guidance on navigating cultural differences best.

In addition, agencies can handle the background checks and visa process and ensure the au pair has a private room in your home and a weekly stipend agreement. They can also handle any communication between the host and au couple and be a mediator if a problem arises. They also have built-in check-ins where the au pair and host can talk with someone from the agency.