When Things Go Wrong: Managing Emergencies with Your Au Pair

1. Medical Emergencies

That’s every parent’s nightmare: you’re at work, and you get a call from someone telling you your child has had a medical emergency. We would like to tell you that by hosting an Au Pair, this will never happen to you, but that wouldn’t be realistic! Hosting an Au Pair doesn’t decrease the chances of your child getting sick or injured: this is something that could happen at daycare or kindergarten, as well as at the grandparents’ house, at the park, or at the dance studio your child goes to once a week. However, teaching your Au Pair how to handle common situations that might arise can greatly impact the outcome.

Childhood Injuries

From falls to cuts and broken bones, depending on your child’s age, your Au Pair should be prepared for different types of injuries. Au Pairs are not professional nannies, and it might be their first time taking care of a minor alone. That’s why you shouldn’t take anything for granted: prepare a clear emergency medical plan with your doctor’s information, insurance details, the nearest urgent care, and hospitals. You should also write a list of numbers to call in case of emergency and place it somewhere very visible (e.g., on the fridge).

Allergic Reactions and High Fevers: Knowing When to Act

Another common situation is when a child suddenly develops a high fever or shows signs of an allergic reaction. These moments can be scary, especially for someone who is not used to dealing with them. Make sure your Au Pair knows your child’s medical history: allergies, intolerances, past reactions, and the right medication to administer if prescribed by a doctor. Write down clear instructions and put them somewhere very visible, like on the fridge. They should cover when to call you right away, when to contact the pediatrician, and when to go directly to the emergency room. Emphasize that it’s better to communicate too much than too little about a symptom.

When Your Au Pair Gets Sick or Injured

Emergencies don’t only involve children. Your Au Pair is living far from home and can get sick or injured, too. Even if it’s “just a cold”, it can feel overwhelming without their usual support system. Have a plan in place: explain how to make a doctor’s appointment, which clinics accept their insurance, and where the nearest pharmacy is. Encourage them to let you know as soon as they’re not feeling well, so you can adjust schedules and make sure the children are cared for. Showing empathy and offering support in these moments not only helps your Au Pair recover more quickly but also strengthens the trust and bond between you.

2. Accidents at Home

Home is where children spend most of their time, which also makes it the place where many small (and sometimes bigger) accidents can happen. While you can’t predict every situation, you can give your Au Pair the tools and confidence to handle them well.

Fire, Smoke, or Gas Leaks

Whether it’s a kitchen fire, a smoke alarm going off, or the smell of gas, these are situations that require quick thinking. During the first week, walk your Au Pair through your home safety plan: where the fire extinguisher is, how to turn off the gas, and what the escape routes are. Make it clear that in case of fire or gas smell, the first step is always to get the children out of the house and then call emergency services.

Power Outages and Water Leaks

Sudden power cuts or a flooded bathroom can be confusing for someone new to your household. Show your Au Pair where flashlights are kept, how to safely reset the fuse box, and where the main water shutoff valve is located. Write these instructions down and post them in a visible spot so they don’t need to rely on memory in a stressful moment. Don’t forget that your Au Pair is learning a new language, so, once again, do not give anything for granted and explain every step carefully. 

Child Locked in a Room

It doesn’t always take a big emergency to create panic; sometimes it’s the little things. A common example is when a child accidentally locks themselves in a room. Make sure your Au Pair knows where you keep spare keys for each door, or if your home uses simple locks, how to unlock them with a coin or safety pin. Remind them to stay calm, keep talking to the child through the door, and reassure them until the door is opened. If the child is very young and you don’t have an immediate way to unlock the door, instruct your Au Pair to call you right away and, if necessary, contact local emergency services for help.

3. Transportation Problems

Driving children to school, activities, or playdates is often part of an Au Pair’s daily routine, which means transportation issues are bound to happen sooner or later. By preparing your Au Pair for different scenarios, you’ll avoid panic and ensure the children’s safety.

Accidents and Breakdowns While Driving

Whether it’s a minor car accident or a sudden breakdown, your Au Pair should know exactly how to react. Teach them to stay calm, check that the children are safe, and move to a secure spot if possible. They should call emergency services if needed, and then contact you immediately. Provide clear instructions on what to do at the scene, what details to share, and how to use roadside assistance. Keeping insurance papers and an emergency kit (flashlight, water, first-aid) in the car will make a difficult moment easier to manage.

Public Transport Delays

If your Au Pair relies on buses or trains, delays and cancellations can cause stress, especially when children are waiting to be picked up. Set up a backup plan together, such as calling another parent, a trusted neighbor, or using a rideshare service or taxi in emergencies. Having a “plan B” ensures your children are never left stranded.

4. Childcare Challenges

Even outside of emergencies, some situations can feel overwhelming for an Au Pair, especially if it’s their first time managing children alone. Helping them prepare for these challenges will make their days smoother and give you peace of mind.

Public Meltdowns

Every parent has been there: a child throwing a tantrum in the middle of a store or playground. For an Au Pair, this can feel even more stressful. Show them how you usually handle these situations, whether it’s giving the child space, using distraction, or setting firm but calm boundaries. Make sure they know it’s okay to leave the public space if needed, prioritizing safety over finishing errands.

Disobedience at Home

Sometimes children test boundaries, especially when they’re with someone new. Explain your family’s rules clearly and make sure your Au Pair knows how you want them enforced, whether it’s about screen time, homework, or bedtime. Remind your Au Pair not to take disobedience personally; it’s a normal part of adjusting to a new authority figure. Before the Au Pair arrives, prepare your child by explaining that a new person will spend a lot of time with them and should be listened to just like you. After the first day, check in with your child about how they feel in the new situation.

Sibling Fights

Arguments between siblings can escalate quickly, and an Au Pair may not know how much intervention is appropriate. Give them guidance: when to let the children resolve things on their own and when to step in. Teach simple techniques like separating the kids for a few minutes or redirecting them to another activity. Reassure your Au Pair that it’s not their job to stop every squabble, but rather to keep the environment safe and calm.

5. Communication Breakdowns

Clear communication is crucial in an emergency, but language barriers or uncertainty can make a stressful situation worse. Preparing your Au Pair in advance helps avoid delays and confusion when quick action is needed.

Language Barriers and Instructions

In an urgent moment, complicated instructions can be hard to follow, especially if your Au Pair has just started learning your language or if you communicate in a language neither of you speaks well. Write down your emergency procedures in simple steps, and practice them together so your Au Pair feels confident. Teach key words and phrases they might need in English, like “call 911” (or the emergency number in your country, once again: don’t assume that your Au Pair knows it!) or “emergency,” and make sure they always have important numbers saved in their phone.

Knowing When to Call You

One common challenge is deciding what’s “serious enough” to contact you immediately. For example, is a small bump on the head urgent, or just something to mention later? Set clear guidelines about what situations require a phone call right away, and remind your Au Pair that it’s always better to over-communicate than to stay silent. This will give both of you peace of mind and prevent misunderstandings.

6. Emotional Crises

Emergencies aren’t always about physical safety; sometimes they’re about emotions. Stressful moments can feel overwhelming for both your children and your Au Pair, especially when they’re far from home and without their usual support system.

Children’s Reactions

Kids may panic if something unexpected happens and their parents aren’t there. Teach your Au Pair simple ways to comfort them, like staying calm, offering reassurance, and sticking to familiar routines. Let them know it’s normal for children to react strongly, and that their calm presence makes all the difference.

Au Pair’s Reactions

Homesickness, stress, or feeling unprepared can hit hard during a crisis. Encourage your Au Pair to be open with you about how they’re coping, and reassure them that it’s okay not to have all the answers. A quick debrief after an incident, discussing what went well and what could be improved, helps build confidence and strengthens your relationship. Showing empathy in these moments will make your Au Pair feel supported, which benefits your whole family.


The best way to handle emergencies is to prepare in advance. Put together a family emergency binder, walk your Au Pair through safety procedures, and refresh these routines every few months. Regular check-ins, kept casual and supportive, are a great opportunity to discuss how to handle challenging situations and hear how your Au Pair would respond. Talk about practical scenarios that happened or that might happen in the future. The more prepared they are, the more confident they’ll feel, and that confidence brings peace of mind to the whole family.

Emergencies may be unpredictable, but with preparation and open communication, your Au Pair will never have to face them alone, and neither will you!

Do you want to learn more and be prepared for your experience as a Host Family? Check out our Au Pair Wiki!