June 20th 2025-

1. Flexible, Reliable Childcare
Your Au Pair is an extension of your family’s schedule, not vice versa. Early mornings, late evenings, or double shifts—your Au Pair is there to help you out when you need it most. No frantic last-minute arranging if daycare closes early or the babysitter just called in with a sick kid. Having reliable childcare right in your own home makes your life easier—and considerably less stressful.

2. Assistance for More than Just the Kids
Need someone to make school lunches, tidy up the playroom, or fold the laundry mountain? Most Au Pairs take care of light house duties related to the children, giving you more breathing space and less work. Imagine arriving home to clean dishes and calming children. That’s not a dream—it’s Au Pair life.

3. Cultural Enrichment for Your Family
Having an Au Pair introduces your family to new languages, customs, and attitudes. Your children can learn to say “thank you” in German, hear a bedtime story from Japan, or witness a Austrian holiday. It’s a beautiful, natural way to raise open-minded, world-conscious children.

4. More Family Moments
More time for real connection, less time spent worrying about logistics. Read one more bedtime story, eat one more dinner together, or start that weekend hike you’ve been procrastinating on. Au Pairs provide you with the time and space to make real memories—not just survive the day.

5. Cost-Effective Compared to Conventional Childcare
Most families are amazed to learn that having an Au Pair is often less expensive than full-time daycare or a private nanny, especially for big families. And the price of personalized, at-home care is hard to beat.

6. Support during Transitional Phases
Whether returning to work after maternity leave, coping with a move, or experiencing a hectic season, an Au Pair offers consistent assistance during life’s highs and lows. Their presence guarantees comfort and stability—something all parents require.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Presence over Pressure
Parenting is not about doing it all—it’s about showing up for what matters. Bringing in an Au Pair doesn’t equal failure—it equals opting to parent with help, intention, and equilibrium. Less stress and more memories. Deeper connection with your kids. That’s what an Au Pair can deliver.

Considering an Au Pair? It might just be the best parenting decision you make—not just for your children, but for your peace of mind.

Lena arrived in Canada on July 2024, and I still remember the first time I met her during our in-person orientation here in Vancouver. She was quiet and nervous, as per the other Au Pairs who were just about to start their journey here in Canada. Fast forward 10 months, and I’m proud to say she’s transformed into a confident, well-spoken women. Seeking her growth, not just in skills, but mentally and emotionally, has been truly inspiring.

Having completed her placement in a smaller town in British Columbia, I wanted to take this opportunity to ask Lena for some advice that could help new Au Pairs, especially those planning to start their journey and wondering what it would be like to be placed in a small town.

 

Advise for Au Pairs Heading to a Smaller Town:

“Give yourself time. The first month can be challenging, as everything is new, and it can take a lot of energy to adjust to your new surroundings. I remember feeling frustrated with myself because I was so tired during that first month, but it’s completely normal. It’s important to be patient and let yourself adapt.

Even though I’m an extrovert, it’s tough for me to start conversations with new people and it’s difficult to put myself out there to try new activities on my own. But I was able to learn and push myself out of my comfort zone. It’s essential to put yourself out there. Start with small interactions, and slowly you’ll be able to meet others in the area.

Also, remember to not put too much pressure on yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Take your time, settle in, and get comfortable in your new home.”

How Did You Meet People in the Area?

Meeting people in a smaller town can be challenging, especially when you’re new to the area. Lena shared how she took proactive steps to connect with others:

“My Host Family was a huge help in introducing me to their friends and family. They were so welcoming, and through them, I was able to meet more people. I also joined local Facebook groups and searched for activities in the area that I could get involved in. This allowed me to connect with people, not just locally, but across Canada.

Being open to new opportunities and embracing new experiences is important. I tried to keep an open mind, and that helped me connect with many wonderful people during my time here.”

What’s Something You’ve Learned During Your Time in Canada?

Looking back at her 10 month journey, Lena shared a powerful reflection on what she’s learned:

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that I’ve gained so much confidence in myself. I’ve become more independent and open to trying new things. Canada has been an amazing place for personal growth. I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I’m proud of the person I’ve become. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”

 

 

Lena’s story is a testament to the personal growth and resilience that comes with the Au Pair experience, especially when placed in a smaller town. Through patience, openness, and self-compassion, she navigated the challenges and came out stronger on the other side.

If you’re an aspiring Au Pair unsure if being placed in a smaller town is something for you, take Lena’s advice to heart:

 

 

Give yourself time, embrace new experiences, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

The Journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about helping your Host Family. Enjoy every moment, and remember that growth comes with time and experience.

 

We’ve been blown away by the heartwarming nominations from Host Families for our Au Pair of the Year award, and after reading about the incredible impact our Au Pairs are making, we’re beyond excited to crown Carolin as our 2024 winner! ✨

Carolin has truly gone above and beyond—teaching her Host Family’s daughters to skate and ski, helping with homework, and adding a personal touch with homemade treats and thoughtful holiday gifts. But that’s just the beginning!

She’s also been a rock for the family during tough times, mentoring new Au Pairs, and sharing the rich beauty of German culture. Carolin has truly become an invaluable part of the family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. ❤️

Let’s celebrate Carolin’s dedication, love, and all-around awesomeness! Congrats, Carolin!

Here are some of the comments we received from Host Families who nominated their Au Pair!

“She seamlessly integrates into our family life, embracing our culture, and never hesitating to lend a hand whenever she can. Even when additional tasks come up, she handles them with grace and without complaint, consistently showing her dedication and willingness to support us in every way.”

“She has been such a happy, interesting and easy going addition to our family. She is also mature beyond her 19 years. She is straightforward and professional when managing tasks and schedule and is flexible when needed.”

“She handcrafted a custom axolotl stuffed toy for our son, demonstrating her thoughtfulness and care. During Christmas, her dedication truly amazed us—she baked over four dozen kinds of cookies and constructed two gingerbread houses (including a gluten-free one) for a charity silent auction.”

“Her ability to connect with our children is nothing short of extraordinary. She knows how to make each child feel valued and loved, meeting them where they are developmentally and emotionally. Our older children adore her energy and imaginative play, while her gentle care for our infant fills us with trust and peace of mind. The love she has for our children is evident in everything she does, and they, in turn, adore her.”

Our most recent Au Pair get together: an evening well spent in Vancouver’s Gastown including good people, good pasta, and good pictures!

Mutual Respect

Au Pair means “on par” or equal. The Au Pair is considered a member of the family during the temporary period of the Au Pair stay. It refers to a cultural exchange for a young person from a foreign country that lives with a Host family. It’s important the Host family care for their Au Pair the way they want to be cared for as a young adult living in someone else’s home in another country. Remember that the Au Pair is a young adult, their behavior will be appropriate for their age group. Things will be strange or unfamiliar for them so be a good support and guide system for them. The Host family respecting their Au Pair will give their children an example of how to respect them. 

Patience and Understanding

Building a strong relationship takes time. Both the Host family and the Au Pair should exercise patience and understanding, particularly during the adjustment period. Recognizing and empathizing with each other’s challenges and experiences can help foster a compassionate and supportive dynamic.

Communication

Building a good relationship with the Au Pair is important. It’s necessary for the Host family to listen to the needs of their Au Pair and state their needs as well. They will both have to compromise from there to help build a successful relationship. The Host family and Au Pair need to keep communicating about their needs until they both feel comfortable and happy with the compromises. Communication is the key to a successful relationship. Both of them will have to cooperate on how they will be explaining the things to the kids. This will make it easier for them to be consistent and prevent conflicts. Children learn things easier when the people living with them explain things in a consistent manner. It’s also important that the Host family sit down with the Au Pair and talk about discipline. Both of them will have to discipline the children in the same way so the children won’t get confused on what they are being taught. With that, It is recommended the Host family keeps a clear schedule and expectations for the Au Pair when it comes to everyday tasks and childcare. 

Cultural Exchange 

Embracing and valuing cultural exchange enriches the relationship between a Host family and the Au Pair. Both parties can learn from each other’s customs, traditions, and languages. Engaging in cultural activities, sharing experiences, and fostering an inclusive environment contributes to a positive connection.

 

Check In Meetings

It would be wise for the Host family to set up weekly check in meetings with their Au Pair. 

This will be the perfect opportunity for all of them to sit together and discuss any concerns, answer any questions, and how to go on moving forward. Weekly check in meetings will prevent any unresolved feelings or questions. 

 

If the Host Family and Au Pair can incorporate these qualities into the relationship, they will create a bond that could last a lifetime! Remember, every relationship is unique, and successful dynamics can vary. It’s important for both the Host family and the Au Pair to actively contribute to the relationship, nurture mutual understanding, and work together to create a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.