Welcoming an au pair into your home is a wonderful opportunity to bring new culture and warmth into your family, but it’s also a big change. Preparing your family and home for the arrival of an au pair can make the transition smoother for everyone. We asked our community of host families to share their best advice for welcoming a new au pair—and their tips are full of heart and wisdom!
1. Start communicating early
Many parents find that regular communication between their kids and the new au pair helps everyone feel more comfortable.
“We have our new au pair video call with the kids every week—one initial call before we finalize the match and then weekly after that,” shares one host mom. “This gave my kids plenty of time to get to know him before he arrived. I also encourage my school-aged kids to email him questions and updates about their adventures. It builds their relationship and helps make the new au pair feel included right of the bat."
2. Prepare for goodbyes with the current au pair
For families with a departing au pair, it’s helpful to prepare the kids for the transition.
“We’ve hosted eight au pairs so far,” says one experienced host dad. “We talk with our children about the current au pair—where she’s going, what her plans are—and we start talking about the new person joining our family.”
Another family encourages reflection on the past year, discussing favorite memories with the current au pair and looking forward to new experiences with the incoming one.
3. Introduce the new au pair’s home country and culture
Getting kids excited about the new au pair’s country and culture can make them feel more involved and connected.
“About six weeks before our new au pair arrives, we start borrowing books about her home country from the library,” one host parent shared.
Another parent shares personal details about the new au pair with her kids, “I tell them all about her likes, interests, and fun facts so they get excited, too."
4. Prepare a welcoming space
Many families enjoy setting up a cozy, personalized space for their au pair.
“We always add little welcome gifts in her room, like local treats and a small basket of favorite snacks,” one family said.
Another family mentioned they add a unique touch each year, choosing items that fit the personality or preferences of their new au pair to make them feel more at home.
5. Make the arrival day special
Arrival day is a big event! After greeting your au pair at the airport, spend the day introducing them to your home and local area. One family shared their approach, “We let the kids lead a tour of the house and show the au pair all their favorite things. Then, we set aside a week to be home with the au pair and plan family activities, neighborhood tours, and little adventures to help her feel more comfortable and at home.”
Welcoming an au pair is a memorable time for everyone. By preparing with these thoughtful steps, you can make the transition a positive and exciting experience that sets the tone for a wonderful year together.