While most Cultural Care au pairs are women, the number of men traveling to the U.S. to work as an au pair is growing. Male au pairs—or “bro pairs” as we’ve affectionately nicknamed them—are an important part of our community.
Historically, families have matched with female au pairs more frequently. However, as parents are increasingly recognizing the value male au pairs bring as caregivers, role models, and playmates, many are considering male candidates.
Exceptional caregivers
Because fewer male applicants are accepted onto the au pair program, the ones who do make it into the matching pool often have many more childcare hours than the minimum required. They also typically have a wide variety of interests and strong leadership skills. This makes them exceptional caregivers.
Elena and Frank, who have hosted 13 au pairs over the years—including their last two male au pairs—found the experience refreshing. “After hosting many female au pairs, we thought our boys might benefit from a different dynamic,” says Elena.
Their current au pair, Nicold from Colombia, has quickly become an integral part of their family. “He has a genuine love for children and formed a remarkable bond with our three kids in no time. They see him as a big brother, and we all consider him a valued member of our family.”
Colombian au pair Nicold is considered a big brother to his three host kids
The Hertz family from Washington selected Rico, a male au pair from Germany, to care for their 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, and the choice has proven to be a highly positive one.
Host mom Leah is especially thankful for Rico’s support during a challenging period for their family. “As a stay-at-home parent, he has been my right hand through it all. He has truly seen us at our best and at our worst.”
Leah cherishes the simple moments shared with Rico, such as watching him bake German dishes with her daughter and hearing him comfort her son during bedtime routines and diaper changes.
“We initially sought an extra pair of hands during a chaotic time, and as we near the end of our first year with him, we feel we’ve gained a lifelong member of our family.”
Rico, from Germany, is the Hertz family's first au pair
Positive male role models
“Bro pairs” also serve as positive male role models for their host children. Single mom Melissa and her two boys, aged 14 and 12, have welcomed four male au pairs into their family, and the experience has been incredibly rewarding for all three of them.
Melissa describes hosting an au pair as “peace of mind, cultural exchange, friendship, mentorship, flexibility, and personalized childcare all rolled into one.”
Their most recent au pair, Sam from Italy, will be with them for a total of two years. According to Melissa, Sam has been an outstanding role model for her sons. She notes, “He has been their sounding board for pre-teen issues they clearly prefer not to discuss with me. Sam has kept me informed without compromising the boys’ trust and communication with him.”
The family enjoys a variety of activities together, from hiking and biking to fly fishing and baking delicious desserts.
Single mom Melissa has hosted four male au pairs including Sam, from Italy
The McGhee family from North Carolina has hosted nine au pairs, with their last two being male. Their current au pair, Santiago from Colombia, has made a remarkable impression on host mom Julie and her two sons, aged 14 and 10.
Julie shares, “We’ve stopped calling him our ‘au pair’; he has become their brother. He is their confidante, their counselor, their coach.” Santiago has been instrumental in helping his teenage “brothers” gain self-confidence and fostering a passion for soccer.
Colombian au pair Santiago has been a positive influence for both of his host boys
Debbi, a host mom in California, also values the impact of her Colombian au pair, Marco, who has become a positive role model for her three young boys.
Debbi describes Marco as “someone of incredible integrity and thoughtfulness. He cares deeply about respecting others, telling the truth, and continuously learning and improving.”
She adds, “Marco navigates the chaos of shouting preschoolers, endless laundry, and the challenges of the outside world with grace. His role as a role model and tireless contributor to our family has been invaluable, and we are profoundly grateful for the relationships he has built with each of us.”
Marco is his family's first "bro pair" and has set the bar very high
Energetic and positive-minded playmates
For families seeking a caregiver who can keep up with the energetic pace of active kids, hosting a male au pair can be an excellent choice. Samantha, a host mom in California, welcomed her first au pair, Jesse, from Brazil, last year.
She shares, “We are so grateful that Jesse became part of our family. Even though it's only been a few months, we can't imagine our family life without his amazing positive attitude and energy. He’s constantly inventing fun games to keep the boys engaged—from massive Lego builds and Pokémon battles to soccer drills at the park and creative art projects. Our two boys, ages 10 and 7, greet him with huge bear hugs each morning and look up to him as both a role model and an older brother.”
Brazilian au pair Jesse keeps his active host kids busy with games, sports, and art projects
Massachusetts mom Helen has hosted 11 au pairs over the years, including two male au pairs. Her current au pair, Herschelle from South Africa, has made a significant impact on her family.
Helen notes, “Herschelle’s enthusiasm for fitness has truly inspired us. He took Alex, our 12-year-old, to the Spartan Challenge, and I’ve never seen Alex beam with such pride after completing it. Claire, our 15-year-old, started field hockey last year and excelled, making the varsity team. Herschelle’s training undoubtedly contributed to her success.”
With the help of their au pair Herschelle, Helen's kids have excelled in their sports activities
Will you join the many families who have found exceptional care through male au pairs? Start your search now to find the perfect “bro pair” for your family.