99aupairs Guide to Host Families in Welcoming an Au Pair

99aupairs Guide to Host Families in Welcoming an Au Pair

99aupairs would like to remind Host Families that hosting an Au Pair is different from having a nanny around the house. Hosting an Au Pair is similar to having a new member of the family like having a brother/sister, or an adult niece or nephew. Au Pairs have travelled a long way to a new country to give you the in-home childcare support that you need. Thus, we highly encourage all host families to warmly welcome and be aware of the very basic needs of an Au Pair who is about to join your family. That is, providing the following:

  • A spare furnished bedroom
  • Food
  • Pocket money
  • A secure home 
  • Use of car (if you prefer an Au Pair who drives)
  • Privacy (if your Au Pair requests it during his/her day off)
  • Time or Day Off (make them work only as per the hours agreed prior to their arrival)
99aupairs-Au-Pair-talking-to-host-mum-about-the-book-she-is-reading-with-the-kids

Prior to an Au Pair’s arrival, we recommend that you warmly welcome them using the following ideas: 

  • Prepare the Au Pair’s bedroom. 
  • Tour the Au Pair around the house, explain to him/her a few important things to be aware of such as the house rules (if you have them).
  • Explain personally or provide a “Welcome Booklet or a Packet” consisting of:
  • A written schedule for light household chores or school pick-ups & drop-offs.
  • Emergency contact details (i.e. 000 and your primary contact details)
  • Kids recipes – what to cook and what the kids are NOT allowed to eat in case they have allergies or food preferences.
  • Kids activities – what the kids find super fun to do at home or after school
  • Useful websites or travel maps for travelling around Australia 
  • Wifi login details
  • Any guidance on the use of appliances around the house.
99aupairs-Blog-Host-Mum-with-kids-and-Au-Pair-spending-some-quality-time-in-the-kitchen

Depending on your family’s budget, you may also want to give either a small gift like a book or chocolates as a sweet welcome gesture or play their favourite music around the house on the day of their arrival, invite him/her to go for a quick tour around Melbourne, or simply host a special dinner for him/her. A lot of Host Families keep things simple and practical – you can always find a way to make an Au Pair feel welcome in your own special way without breaking the bank. 

If you’re in need of more information or guidance in hosting an Au Pair, feel free to download our FREE Ebook that you can find in our blog here: https://99aupairs.com/blog/the-flexible-childcare-support/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *