The success of the au pair program largely depends on how much effort the family puts into getting to know their new family member and clearly and consistently explaining the tasks. In some placements, the family and the au pair quickly adapt to each other, and the children easily get used to and grow fond of the new family member. However, settling in and establishing a routine for the tasks takes time. It’s important not to expect too much at the beginning and to practice patience!
EXTRA PAIR OF HAND
Au Pair Duties
The primary role of an au pair is to integrate into the family and assist the parents with tasks related to childcare. They help take the children to school and extracurricular activities, play with them, organize joint activities, and assist with homework.
In addition, au pairs provide help with light household chores, such as tidying up the children’s rooms (sometimes together with the children), washing and ironing school uniforms, helping with dinner preparation, and keeping the kitchen organized.
Au pairs may also work as babysitters one or two evenings per week, allowing parents to go out for dinner, the theater, or a movie, and spend more quality time together. All of these benefits make hosting an au pair a valuable and worthwhile option.
How does an au pair help?
Au Pair Tasks Related to Children (about 60% of total work)
- Waking the children up in the morningPreparing meals
- Helping with homework
- Playing sports or games together
- Taking the children to school or extracurricular activities
- Keeping the children’s rooms and clothes organized
Household Tasks (about 40% of total work)
- Assisting with general household chores
- Washing dishes and ironing
- Cooking and vacuuming
- Light cleaning tasks
Au Pair Tasks Related to Children (about 60% of total work)
- Waking the children up in the morningPreparing meals
- Helping with homework
- Playing sports or games together
- Taking the children to school or extracurricular activities
- Keeping the children’s rooms and clothes organized
Household Tasks (about 40% of total work)
- Assisting with general household chores
- Washing dishes and ironing
- Cooking and vacuuming
- Light cleaning tasks
"The au pair program has been a huge help for us, as it allows us to organize our weekdays much more flexibly. Kamilla helps with getting the kids to school and managing extracurricular activities, giving us more time for each other and for shared activities. The added bonus is that she also joins us for dinners and celebrations, which makes the whole experience truly special."
