When someone new joins the family for meals, plays games after school, or helps with bedtime routines, things can feel different—but in a good way. That’s what happens when a family has an au pair. It’s not the same as hiring a babysitter or sending kids to daycare. It’s more like welcoming another big brother or sister into the home, someone who becomes part of everyday life in the most natural way.
So, what does that actually feel like? What changes? And why do so many kids end up really liking it?
Let’s break it down.
A New Face Who Feels Familiar
At first, having someone new living in the house might feel a little weird. One day it’s just the usual people around the dinner table, and the next, there’s someone else passing the potatoes and asking how school went. But that weird feeling doesn’t last long.
An au pair usually comes from another country, which makes things kind of exciting. They might speak a different first language, have cool traditions, or know fun games that other kids haven’t heard of. It’s not just about help—it’s about connection. Over time, the new face starts to feel familiar, kind of like an older cousin who came to visit and decided to stay.
And since au pairs live with the family, they get to know the daily routine pretty quickly. That means they’re around for morning cereal, school pick-ups, bedtime books, and everything in between.
Families can hire an au pair through www.goaupair.com, which also offers helpful information and support to make the experience smooth. It’s not about just hiring someone—it’s about choosing someone who fits into the family.
More Than Just a Helper
One thing kids notice right away is that an au pair doesn’t show up just to do chores or drive someone to soccer practice. They actually hang out, talk, and become part of the group. That’s a big deal, especially for kids who might need help with homework or just want someone to build forts or throw a football around.
An au pair learns what the kids in the house are into—whether it’s puzzles, science experiments, or pretending the living room is a pirate ship. They usually have time built into the day to spend doing those things. It’s not rushed or squeezed into a schedule. It’s just part of the rhythm of the home.
It also helps that au pairs are usually in their late teens or early twenties. That means they’re old enough to take care of responsibilities but still young enough to understand what makes things fun. They remember what it’s like to be a kid. That’s why it feels more relaxed when they help out—it doesn’t feel forced.
Learning Goes Both Ways
Another cool part of having an au pair is that everyone learns something. The au pair learns about how things work in a new country, from school systems to holiday traditions. But the family learns stuff too.
Kids might pick up words from another language or learn how birthdays are celebrated somewhere across the world. Some au pairs share music from their home country, cook special meals, or teach dances from their culture. It’s like opening a window to a whole other part of the world without ever leaving the house.
And because kids are naturally curious, they often ask questions, which makes learning even easier. They don’t sit down for a lesson. It just happens through talking and spending time together.
When Parents Get Support, Kids Feel It Too
A lot of times, parents are juggling a million things at once—work, errands, making dinner, helping with school projects, and trying to keep everything moving. That can lead to tired faces, short tempers, and not much time to just relax together.
When an au pair is there, parents get real help. That might mean someone else picking the kids up from school, making sure backpacks are packed, or helping with bedtime. But even more importantly, it gives parents the chance to be more present. Instead of rushing through everything, they can slow down a little. That makes time spent together feel better—not just for the grown-ups, but for the kids too.
With an au pair, evenings might feel less stressful. There’s someone extra around to read a book while dinner’s cooking or help clean up after arts and crafts. Things flow a little smoother, and the house feels calmer.
It’s Okay to Miss Them When They Leave
Since most au pairs stay for a year or two, they eventually go back to their home country or move on to something new. That part can be tough, especially when everyone gets attached. Kids might feel sad, and even parents might get a little emotional.
But that just shows how strong the bond became. It wasn’t just someone helping out—it was someone who made memories, helped during big moments, and became part of the team. Some families even stay in touch with their au pairs for years, sending holiday cards or planning trips to visit.
And when the next au pair arrives, it’s a chance to make new memories all over again.
Takeaways from Having an Au Pair
Having an au pair isn’t just about getting extra hands; it’s about building new friendships, learning from someone new, and creating a more relaxed and fun family routine.
Kids notice when things feel less rushed. They remember who helped them finish their science fair project or taught them to fold paper stars. They feel the difference when there’s time to talk about their day or dance around to a new song from halfway across the world.
An au pair brings more than help—they bring heart.
