As the school year comes to a close, many families are confronted with new routines and childcare challenges. Au pairs provide valuable support during the school year, but they can be just as essential during the summer—when school isn't in session and you need help filling those long, hot days.

Here are a few reasons why having an au pair during the summer can be a game-changer for your family.

Keeping your kids on schedule

If your children attend summer programs like day camps or sports camps, your au pair can ensure they’re out the door on time with all the gear they need. Whether it’s waiting at the bus stop or driving them to and from activities, an au pair keeps everything running smoothly.

Joining family vacations

Planning a summer getaway? Invite your au pair in on the fun. With an extra set of hands, packing, traveling, and keeping the kids entertained on long car rides or flights is a breeze.

Host mom Diana shared how her au pair, Noemi, saved the day during their family trips, “Noemi joined us on several adventures this summer—even captaining a yacht! She came with us on a 3-hour boat trip to watch the Chicago Air Show. When we all got seasick from the water traffic, Noemi stepped in to care for the kids.”

Creating summer adventures at home

Summer doesn’t always mean a big trip. Even staying home can be an adventure with an au pair. Host mom Dayna from California recalls how her au pair, Sandra, made every day fun with what they called “Sandra Camp,” complete with backyard soccer and outings around the Bay Area.

Another host mom, Kristina from New Hampshire, loved how her au pair Jenny corralled her four young boys for outdoor adventures. “She would take them on three-mile hikes with the two-year-old in a backpack, then for a swim and a picnic. Bedtime had never been so peaceful!”

Making indoor time fun

When rainy or unbearably hot days keep everyone inside, it’s easy to fall into screen time habits—but not for the Ghosh family. Their au pair, Talita, arrived just before summer and quickly found ways to keep three kids busy in their screen-free household. Host mom Tricia from Texas shared, “arts and crafts became a favorite, and they’d often walk to the park for lunch. Talita amazed me with how easily she got the kids out the door, with lunches packed and the baby’s diaper bag ready!”

Helping with summer assignments

Summer assignments can be stressful, but an au pair can help your children stay on track. Ana, an au pair from Colombia, helped her host child in Virginia practice Spanish between years at her dual-language school. Her host mom Rebecca loved that Ana also prepared lessons to refresh her daughter’s other studies over the summer.

And of course, when fall rolls around, your au pair’s schedule can adjust to meet the new school year’s needs, continuing to provide essential support for your family.