Au pairs tend to have dinner with their host families often, According to a Cultural Care host parent poll, most au pairs frequently join their host families for dinner:
42% of host parents reported that their au pair eats with the family 4–5 nights per week.
26% said their au pair joins them for dinner even more often—up to 7 nights per week.
19% have shared meals 2–3 nights per week, while 13% said dinner with their au pair is rare, occurring only once a week.
Host parents shared their insights, offering tips and reflections on the role of shared meals in building strong relationships.
Busy Schedules Can Affect Mealtime
“We are super busy and don’t always sit down for dinner. But when we do, we always invite her to join us. Most of the time, she does.”
For families with packed schedules, flexibility is key. Even occasional shared meals can create opportunities for connection.
Mealtime Helps With Integration
Families who prioritize dinners together often find it strengthens their bond with their au pair:
“Our last au pair wasn’t interested in joining us for dinner, which really hindered her integration into our family. Our current au pair eats with us most weeknights but not on weekends, which feels like a great balance.”
Dinner as a Family Priority
For some families, shared dinners are non-negotiable:
“We expect her to join us for dinner if she’s home. It’s a good way to make her feel part of the family.”
“Dinner time is very important to us. It’s our chance to get to know her and discuss the upcoming week.”
Au Pairs Often Eat With the Children
In households where schedules vary, au pairs may share meals primarily with the children:
“She usually eats with the kids. We have full family dinners once or twice a week, and she joins us for those.”
“I’m a single mom and don’t always eat with them. Our au pair often eats with my daughter, and I eat later after bedtime.”
Habits Evolve Over Time
Host parents noted that mealtime routines often change as au pairs settle into their new lives:
“At the beginning, they always join us. Then, as they meet other au pairs and build their own routines, like going out or hitting the gym, we eat together less often.”
Cultural Differences Influence Mealtime
Different cultural norms around eating can also shape the dining experience:
“Our au pair prefers a small meal at the end of the day rather than the larger dinner most American families eat. We’ve loved learning about these cultural differences.”
Conclusion
Shared meals are a valuable way to bond with your au pair, offering opportunities for connection, integration, and cultural exchange. Whether it’s a daily ritual or an occasional gathering, the key is to find a balance that works for everyone’s schedule and preferences.
Would you like additional tips for making shared meals a meaningful part of your au pair experience?