Are you considering the idea of hosting an Au Pair? Have you come across mixed information about the program? Well, you've come to the right place. We have compiled some myths about hosting an Au Pair and facts often related to the Au Pair program. Read on to learn more. 

Au Pairs are very young, hosting one will be like taking care of another child

Sure, Au Pairs range in age from 18 to 26 years old, but this is no reason for the Au Pair to represent a new burden for you. Remember, the Au Pair is an adult who, among other things, should be helping you at home. The right person has experience in childcare and knows how to perform everyday household chores. 

Before choosing someone, we recommend that you video call her multiple times. Talk about what her responsibilities will be. Tell her what your expectations are, and confirm if she really has the experience she claims to have. 

You and your family will have no privacy

Some host parents worry about sharing their home with a newcomer and having to treat her as family. We have already talked about this topic in another article that you can read here. In that article, we mentioned that video calls can help both sides get to know each other better before joining the program. This way, your Au Pair will not be a complete stranger when you meet for the first time. 

Keep in mind that the Au Pair should have enough free time to do the language course and participate in other cultural exchange activities. In other words, she will not always be with you at home. If at any time you feel that you are losing privacy, do not hesitate to communicate this openly and assertively. Good communication is the key to the success of the program. 

Au Pairs are domestic workers, so they must do whatever you ask them to do

No, Au Pairs are not maids! You cannot ask them to take care of all the household chores, as this is not their responsibility. Please check the program's regulations before hiring an Au Pair. On our website, you will find information about the statutory working hours and a list of the responsibilities of both the Au Pair and the Host Family. 

The Au Pair must have a myriad of skills

No, your Au Pair is not a multitasking machine! Here are some of the skills your Au Pair should have:

• Childcare experience.
• Basic/intermediate level in your family's native language.
• Ability to perform common household chores.
• Depending on your criteria, she should be able to drive, swim well, or ride a bike.
• Strong time management skills.
• Sense of responsibility and commitment.
• Assertiveness.

To be eligible, there is no need for the Au Pair to: 

• Speak your language flawlessly.
• Cook like a professional.
• Have experience as a language teacher.
• Be willing to do any domestic work. 

The Au Pair must be a native speaker of the language you want your kids to learn

This myth is connected to the previous one. Some people assume that the best language teachers are native speakers. However, this is not entirely true. First, natives do not automatically qualify as good language teachers. Good teachers need to develop teaching skills and core grammar knowledge of the target language. 

Yes, a native speaker is able to communicate more intuitively and fluently in their language. That is a great advantage. However, a person who has acquired a second or third language is familiar with the most common difficulties and strategies for studying it. 

The kid will get attached to the Au Pair and will be upset when she leaves

Yes, this could happen. However, even if it doesn't sound like such a good outcome, you can use it as a chance to train your child on how to healthily handle emotions, and deal with challenging scenarios such as goodbyes. Likewise, your child missing her Au Pair is a sign that they have formed a warm bond. You will probably want them to keep in touch now that they have lived together as a family. You can schedule video calls, so your child will know that the bond still exists despite the distance. 

Check out our website for testimonials from many families and Au Pairs who, despite no longer being together, stay in touch over a long period of time. They even arrange to reunite years after having been part of the program. 

Au Pairs are just international nannies

Certainly, the Au Pair's primary responsibility is to take care of the Host Family's kids. However, both Au Pair and nanny roles are different. Au Pairs are also there to help the Host Kids improve their skills in a foreign language and to encourage cultural exchange. 

Besides that, nannies are employees, unlike Au Pairs. You should treat an Au Pair as a member of your family. This usually leads to the development of a closer and more trusting bond compared to a nanny. 

Au Pairs just want to travel and get a visa

Yes, traveling and experiencing a different culture and country are among the main perks of the program. However, you should not forget that this program entails specific obligations. The Au Pair is required to comply with her responsibilities towards the Host Family, and she must return to her home country within a fixed period of time. 

Au Pairs understand this and are thrilled to have the opportunity to live with a foreign family. As a Host Family, you will offer the Au Pair not only a job but also a unique insight into a different community and customs. 

Do you have any other questions about the program? Feel free to visit our Wiki.