Au Pair vs. Language Tutor

How can my kid become fluent in a foreign language like French, German, or English? Many families think about finding an Au Pair when such thoughts occur. After all, what could be better than hiring a native speaker to live with your family and talk to your child in their native language? 

This sounds wonderful, but some families may take it way too far, expecting too much from their Au Pairs which might result in complaints like ‘my kids didn’t make any progress in language during the whole Au Pair stay.’ To avoid such concerns, we have created this article to explain why you shouldn't blame your Au Pair for not teaching your kids a foreign language.

If we take a look into the definition of an Au Pair: a young person who lives with a Host Family from another country and supports the family with childcare in return for full board, lodging, and pocket money — we would find that teaching a foreign language is not included in their core responsibilities. Their main role is to help with light household tasks and childcare, while also experiencing a cultural exchange.

That said, although having a native-speaking Au Pair in your home would provide a valuable environment for language exposure — your child will naturally hear and absorb the language through daily interaction, it’s important to understand the difference between natural immersion and formal teaching.

So rather than expecting your Au Pair to act like a language tutor, it's more helpful to focus on the kind of organic learning that can happen during everyday moments. Let’s take a look at what you can realistically expect from an Au Pair when it comes to language — and what you probably shouldn’t count on:

Realistic expectation

• Daily conversation: Your child will hear the foreign language naturally in everyday settings — from getting dressed to mealtime chats, or reading a bedtime story.
• Pronunciation and expression: With consistent exposure, children start picking up authentic pronunciation and colloquial expressions, which is something textbooks can’t always teach.
• A positive language attitude: Kids often become more curious and open toward foreign languages when they interact with someone who speaks one fluently.

What you shouldn't expect

• Formal language lessons or structured teaching like a tutor or school teacher
• Guaranteed fluency within a few months
• Correction of grammar or vocabulary mistakes at all times — Au Pairs are not trained educators.

 
Still, we understand that for many families, maintaining a foreign language environment at home is an important goal — especially when raising bilingual or globally-minded children. We fully respect that intention, and the good news is that with the right approach, your Au Pair can still play a valuable role in supporting your child’s language exposure.

Here are some thoughtful ways to make the most of that opportunity:

• Create space for natural interaction: Encourage your child to play with the Au Pair, not just follow instructions. Playing is one of the best ways for kids to learn language.
• Set clear but fair language goals: For example, you can ask the Au Pair to speak their native language during certain times of the day or specific routines like bedtime or mealtime.
• Support the Au Pair: Offer resources like bilingual storybooks, games, or flashcards if you'd like them to include more language elements into playtime — but always present it as an option, not a demand.
• Be patient and trust the process: Language acquisition, especially for young kids, takes time. What seems like “no progress” could actually be a quiet absorption that blossoms later.

In conclusion, while having a foreign Au Pair is a wonderful way to introduce your child to a new language, it's important to remember that their primary role is not that of a language teacher. With the right expectations and a nurturing environment, your family can still gain immense linguistic and cultural benefits from this unique exchange experience.