How Having an Au Pair Has Made Me a Better Parent
Before welcoming our au pair into our home, I thought I had parenting down to a science.
Like many working parents, I was juggling a career, managing a household, and trying to be present for every moment with my daughters. I wore all the hats—caretaker, chef, playmate, and teacher—and took pride in holding everything together, even when it felt like I was barely managing.
But then our au pair arrived, and something amazing happened: I realized that being a great parent doesn’t mean doing everything on your own. Instead, it’s about creating a nurturing, loving environment where you’re fully present for your kids—and sometimes, that means leaning on support.
Lesson 1: The Gift of Time
The first thing I noticed when our au pair settled in was the gift of time. Mornings were no longer a mad rush of getting breakfast ready, packing bags, and making sure everyone was dressed appropriately. Our au pair, a bright and cheerful presence, had already developed a morning routine with our girls, allowing me to take a moment for myself.
That small gift of time in the morning, whether I used it to meditate for ten minutes or just enjoy a cup of coffee before heading to work, made me a more present and engaged parent. When I returned to the family hustle, I felt recharged, patient, and ready to give my best to my girls.
Lesson 2: Being More Intentional with Family Moments
Before our au pair joined us, I often found myself distracted during playtime. My mind would wander to the to-do list or the dinner I hadn’t started. But having an au pair allowed me to be more intentional. Knowing that our au pair was handling the girls’ laundry and preparing their snacks, I could set aside dedicated time to bond with my kids.
Our au pair sometimes joined in our activities, introducing us to games from their home country or teaching my kids phrases in their native language. These moments were rich, meaningful, and full of laughter, and they reminded me that it’s not about how much time you spend but the quality of that time.
Lesson 3: The Art of Delegation and Trust
Letting go of control wasn’t easy for me. At first, I hesitated to trust someone else with my girls’ care. But working together with our au pair taught me the art of delegation and the beauty of building a trusting relationship. I learned to communicate openly, express my parenting values, and listen to our au pair’s ideas and experiences.
This trust-building process wasn’t just good for me—it was also great for my girls. They got to see how two adults could collaborate and support each other. They learned from our au pair’s cultural perspective and experienced the joy of having another caregiver who genuinely cared for them.
A Better Version of Me
Having an au pair didn’t just make life easier; it made me a better parent. It gave me time to take care of myself, be more present, and teach my kids the importance of cultural exchange and respect. It also showed me that it’s okay to ask for help and that sometimes, sharing responsibilities makes for a happier, healthier family.
But as wonderful as this experience has been, I know it would have been much harder without a solid plan to support our transition.
I created the Host Family Au Pair Handbook, which became our go-to resource. It helped us set clear expectations, outline daily routines, and ensure we were all on the same page.
The Handbook: Your Guide to a Smooth Transition
If you’re thinking of welcoming an au pair into your home, I can’t recommend enough the importance of being prepared. The Host Family Au Pair Handbook provides everything you need to create a positive, organized experience for your family and your au pair. It includes customizable pages for daily routines, house rules, and emergency contacts, among other tips.
With the handbook, we could make our au pairs feel welcome from day one, and our home became a more organized, joyful space.
The handbook is your perfect starting point if you’re ready to experience the benefits of having an au pair and want to set your family up for success.
Check out the Host Family Au Pair Handbook in our shop or add it to your cart below. Get ready to transform your parenting experience!
Starting your au pair or caregiver journey with clarity and confidence can make all the difference.
When hosting an au pair, clear and organized communication is key to a smooth and successful experience. To give you a sneak peek into the valuable tools included in the Host Family Au Pair Handbook, I’m offering a FREE printable daily schedule template! This sample resource will help you plan your family’s day and ensure everyone is on the same page.
What’s Included in the Free Printable Daily Schedule Template:
Customizable Time Slots: Plan your family’s day from morning to evening with clearly marked time blocks
Notes Section: Add reminders, special instructions, or daily highlights.
Easy-to-Use Design: Clean and simple format that works for busy families.
What You’ll Get in the Full Handbook:
The Host Family Au Pair Handbook takes organization to the next level! It includes:
• Weekly and yearly planners
• Childcare support guidelines
• Emergency and medical information templates
• House rules and accommodations
• Communication tips and more!
Start with the freebie, and see how prepared you can feel. A more relaxed, organized family life is just a click away!
Why This Freebie Matters:
This freebie is just the beginning of how the handbook can transform your au pair experience. Start planning today and explore the additional tools, resources, and tips that make hosting an au pair easier than ever.
Ready for the full package?
Referral Link
There are many au pair programs to choose from, but Au Pair in America is the one I utilize.
If you're ready to explore this incredible childcare option, submit your information through the Au Pair in America referral program to save $500 when you match with an au pair!
* This post mentions information about the US Department of State Au Pair Exchange Vistor Program. There are many ways to participate in this program as a host family. I recommend partnering with an independent agency to streamline the process, and I have hosted au pairs through Au Pair in America since starting the Program in 2021.
My opinions for hosting an Au Pair or working with an agency are all my own. Au Pair in America has not compensated me for writing this post. In addition, the guidance, tools, and materials included in this post and website around navigation of the Au Pair process are my intellectual property based on my experience. The agency does not officially endorse me or these materials.
