FAQ for Host Families

🏡 What to Know Before You Host

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  • Hosting an Au Pair means welcoming a new cultural connection into your home while receiving support with your children.
    Your Au Pair will live with your family and help with light childcare and household tasks. In return, you’ll provide accommodation, meals, and weekly pocket money.

    It’s more than just childcare, it’s a cultural exchange. Your family will share everyday life with someone from abroad, opening your children to new perspectives, languages, and friendships.

    Most placements last between 3 to 6 months, with the option to extend up to 12 months. You don’t need to prepare anything formal, just a safe, welcoming home and a genuine interest in sharing your lifestyle with someone new.

  • Hosting an Au Pair is more than just finding childcare, it’s about creating a meaningful connection and gaining trusted support for your family.

    • Flexible, in-home help
      Au Pairs live with you, making mornings, school runs, and afternoons easier to manage.

    • Consistent care for your kids
      Unlike casual babysitters or daycare, Au Pairs become a steady part of your children’s routine.

    • Cultural enrichment at home
      Your children are exposed to new languages, traditions, and perspectives—all without leaving the house.

    • A unique family experience
      Many families form lifelong bonds with their Au Pair and continue to stay in touch long after the placement ends.

    • Support when you need it
      We guide you through every step. From choosing the right Au Pair to settling in and beyond.

  • While both provide childcare, there are some key differences:

    • Au Pairs live with your family
      They become part of your household and share in everyday family life.

    • Cultural exchange is central
      Au Pairs come to Australia to experience the culture and improve their English, while supporting your family with childcare.

    • More flexible and affordable
      Au Pairs typically work 30–35 hours per week for pocket money, accommodation, and meals, not a full-time wage.

    • Nannies are professional carers
      They usually work set hours, live separately, and are paid an hourly or weekly wage. It’s a more formal employer-employee relationship.

    In short: Au Pairs are more like a big sister (or brother!) who helps out, while nannies are hired staff. Hosting an Au Pair is a mutual exchange, not just a job.

  • 🏡 Your Responsibilities as a Host Family
    Creating a supportive environment helps your Au Pair thrive & ensures your children feel safe, cared for, and happy.

    • Provide a warm, welcoming home
      A private bedroom, shared meals, and inclusion in family life.

    • Fair working hours
      Up to 30–35 hours per week, with at least 1.5 days off each week and one full weekend off per month.

    • Clear communication
      Establish expectations early: hours, tasks, routines, and any house rules. We help guide this conversation!

    • Support cultural exchange
      Encourage your Au Pair to explore, socialise, and experience life in Australia. It’s part of what makes hosting so enriching!

    ✨ What You Provide for Your Au Pair
    Here’s what’s typically included when hosting an Au Pair in Australia:

    • A private room in your home
      A safe, comfortable space they can call their own.

    • All meals shared with your family
      Au Pairs are included in daily meals and family life.

    • Weekly pocket money
      Typically $200–$350 AUD, depending on agreed working hours.

    • Completion Bonus (optional)
      Many families choose to offer a bonus at the end of a 6-month placement.

    • Access to transport and communication tools
      This could include use of a car, SIM card, internet access, or public transport assistance.

    • Time off
      At least 1.5 days off per week, with one full weekend off each month.

    • Paid holiday
      For placements of six months or more, your Au Pair is entitled to one week of paid holiday.

  • Au Pairs are there to support your family with childcare and light household tasks related to the children. They’re not professional cleaners or housekeepers—think of them as a helpful big sister or brother.

    ✅ Typical Au Pair Responsibilities Include:

    Childcare:

    • Getting the children up, dressed, and ready for the day

    • Preparing meals and snacks for the children

    • Playing with the kids and planning fun, age-appropriate activities

    • Helping with homework or reading

    • Taking children to school, appointments, or outings (walking, public transport, or driving if agreed)

    Child-Related Household Tasks:

    • Tidying the children’s bedrooms and play areas

    • Doing the children’s laundry

    • Cleaning up after children's meals and activities

    🚫 What an Au Pair Is Not Responsible For
    Au pairs are not hired domestic workers and should not be expected to manage the entire household.

    Outside of Their Role:

    • Cleaning the full house or shared family areas

    • Doing laundry or ironing for parents

    • Cooking meals for the whole family

    • Household grocery shopping

    • Deep cleaning (e.g., ovens, windows, carpets)

    • Washing cars or doing yard work

    • Looking after pets (unless previously discussed and agreed upon)

    It’s important to discuss your family’s needs and agree on tasks before the placement begins. We’ll guide you through this conversation to make sure everyone feels clear and comfortable.

  • Every family is unique, and your Au Pair’s schedule will be tailored to your specific needs. That said, here’s a general idea of what a typical day might look like when hosting an Au Pair in Australia:

    🌅 Morning Support

    • Getting the kids ready: Helping children wake up, get dressed, and prepare for their day.

    • Breakfast & lunches: Preparing breakfast and packing school lunches.

    • School drop-offs: Accompanying or driving the children to school or daycare, if needed.

    🏠 During School Hours

    • Light household tasks: Tidying the children's rooms, folding laundry, or prepping after-school snacks.

    • Free time for the Au Pair: When not on duty, your Au Pair can enjoy personal time, whether that’s exploring, relaxing, or attending language classes.

    🌇 Afternoon & Evening Routine

    • Pick-up & activities: Picking the children up from school and assisting with homework, playtime, or after-school activities.

    • Dinner & bedtime: Supporting you with dinner prep, mealtime routines, and helping with bath, books, and bedtime wind-down.

    👶 For Families with Younger Children If you have toddlers or little ones not yet in daycare, your Au Pair may spend more time at home during the day. Activities can include play, reading, walks, naps, or attending local kids’ groups. All care is planned within their agreed weekly hours.

  • Au Pair placements in Australia are flexible and can be tailored to your family’s needs.

    • Typical stays are 3 to 6 months, which gives families consistent support over a school term or two.

    • Longer placements (up to 12 months) are also possible, depending on the Au Pair’s visa and availability.

    • Some families choose to host multiple Au Pairs back-to-back for year-round support.

    We recommend allowing at least 4–6 weeks’ notice before your preferred start date to ensure enough time for matching, interviews, and travel arrangements.

    💬 Not sure what time frame is right for you? We’ll help you decide based on your family's schedule, the ages of your children, and what kind of support you're looking for.

  • Au Pairs in Australia usually care for children between the ages of 2 and 12, though this can vary depending on your family’s needs and the Au Pair’s experience.

    👧 Toddlers to Pre-Teens (Ages 2–12)

    This is the most common age range for Au Pair placements. Children in this age group generally benefit from a consistent, caring presence throughout the day—someone to support their routines, offer companionship, and keep things running smoothly around school hours and activities.

    👦 Teenagers (Ages 13+)

    While teens may not need hands-on care, an Au Pair can still be a helpful support—especially in busy households with multiple children. They may assist with school pick-ups, dinner prep, or simply being a reliable presence when parents are working late. In these cases, their role is more about household help and mentorship than direct childcare.

    👶 Caring for Infants (Under 2 Years Old)

    If your child is under 2, it’s important to find an Au Pair with specific infant care experience, such as working in a daycare, babysitting babies, or having younger siblings. Many agencies, including ours, recommend that infants not be left in sole care unless the Au Pair has demonstrated confidence and prior experience with that age group.

    👉 We’ll only introduce you to Au Pairs who are comfortable and capable with the age range of your children, and we’ll help guide this discussion during the matching process.

    • Car Insurance:
      If your Au Pair will be driving your family car, you’ll need to check that your car insurance policy covers an additional driver. Some families choose to add the Au Pair to their policy, while others arrange separate coverage. You may also want to check if an extra fee applies for drivers under 25 years old.

    • Health Insurance:
      Most Au Pairs travel with their own travel health insurance or are covered under a Working Holiday Visa health insurance policy. We guide Au Pairs to arrange this before arriving, but it’s always good to confirm they are properly insured.

    • Public Liability/Home Insurance:
      It’s worth checking that your home insurance covers live-in helpers for accidental damage, just to be safe. In most cases, your standard policy will cover household members, but it’s a good idea to confirm.

💡 Understanding the Costs

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  • Yes, host families pay their Au Pair directly each week in the form of pocket money, not a formal wage. This amount is intended as a token of appreciation for their help around the home, as part of the cultural exchange experience, not as a salary.

    You can pay your Au Pair in cash or via direct deposit into their bank account, depending on what works best for both sides. Keeping the payment consistent and on time helps set a respectful and reliable tone for the placement.

  • Au Pairs in Australia typically help for 25 to 35 hours per week, depending on your family’s needs and the agreed schedule. They’re not employees, so they don’t receive a formal wage, instead, they’re given weekly pocket money as part of the cultural exchange experience.

    The recommended pocket money is between $250–$400 per week. This generally equates to an hourly rate of around $10–$12, which is considered fair within the context of the exchange.

    It’s important to remember that Au Pairs also receive free accommodation, meals, utilities, and ongoing support during their stay, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.

  • Au Pairs are given weekly pocket money, not a formal wage, as part of their cultural exchange. The usual rate sits between $10–$12 per hour, based on how many hours they’re helping (typically 25–35 per week).

    Here are a few examples:

    • 25 hours/week
      → $250 at $10/hr | $300 at $12/hr

    • 30 hours/week
      → $300 at $10/hr | $360 at $12/hr

    • 35 hours/week
      → $350 at $10/hr | $420 at $12/hr

    The final amount can depend on several factors:

    • Whether your Au Pair has previous experience with children or specific training

    • If they’ll have access to a car, a SIM card, or other benefits

    • Whether you’re offering extra perks like paid outings, travel, or personal time off

    We’ll help you land on a pocket money amount that’s fair, transparent, and reflects the overall value of the placement for both you and your Au Pair.

  • Hosting an Au Pair is often more affordable and flexible than other forms of childcare in Australia, especially if you have more than one child or need support outside of typical daycare hours.

    Here’s how it compares:

    • Au Pair
      Weekly pocket money usually ranges from $250–$400, depending on hours and what's included (e.g. SIM card, car access, experience). In return, you receive live-in help, flexibility, and support with both childcare and light household tasks — all for one flat rate, not per child.

    • Live-Out Nanny
      Typically paid $30–$45 per hour, plus superannuation and possible agency fees. Weekly costs can easily reach $800–$1,200+, depending on the number of hours. Nannies offer flexibility but are a much more expensive option.

    • Daycare
      Costs range from $600–$850+ per child, per week, with fixed hours and less flexibility. Drop-off and pick-up times are strict, and fees usually increase with additional children.

    Choosing an Au Pair can be a cost-effective and enriching option, offering personalised care, cultural exchange, and the kind of flexibility most busy families need.

  • There are no ongoing agency fees after your Au Pair has been placed, the placement fee is a one-time payment. From there, your only regular costs are the weekly pocket money you give your Au Pair and any agreed-upon extras you choose to provide.

    This might include things like:
    – Access to a car for driving the children or personal use
    – A mobile phone or SIM card
    – Contributions to fuel, public transport, or activities with the kids

    All of these extras are optional and can be tailored to your family’s setup. We’ll help you discuss and agree on the details upfront so everyone is on the same page.

  • Your placement fee is a one-time payment that covers the full service and support we provide throughout the entire process — from the moment you register to the end of your Au Pair’s stay.

    Here’s what’s included:

    • ✅ Personalised Matching
      We take time to understand your family’s needs, schedule, lifestyle, and preferences to find the right Au Pair fit.

    • ✅ Candidate Vetting
      Every Au Pair is screened with references, background checks, and an interview before being presented to your family.

    • ✅ Interview Support
      We provide tips, templates, and guidance so you can confidently interview your top candidates.

    • ✅ Contract Setup
      We help establish a clear, written agreement covering hours, duties, time off, and pocket money, setting expectations for both sides.

    • ✅ Arrival Coordination
      From travel planning to arrival tips, we ensure your Au Pair feels prepared and welcomed from day one.

    • ✅ Ongoing Support
      We check in regularly during the placement, offer advice when needed, and are available if things don’t go to plan, including offering a free rematch within the first month. (6+ months care plan)

    The goal? A smooth, supported experience for both your family and your Au Pair, from start to finish.

  • The registration fee is a small upfront cost that confirms your interest in moving forward and allows us to begin the matching process. It helps cover the initial work we do behind the scenes, including:

    • Getting to know your family’s needs and preferences

    • Reviewing your registration form

    • Preparing your consultation and support materials

    • Starting the process of pre-selecting potential Au Pair profiles

    It also ensures that we’re working with families who are genuinely committed to hosting, which helps us maintain a high-quality, respectful experience for both families and Au Pairs.

    Once registered, you’ll have access to personalised support and be one step closer to finding the right match for your home.

    Unlike many larger agencies, our registration fee is lower, making it more accessible while still offering personalised, hands-on support from day one.

✨ What Families Often Ask

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  • Absolutely! You can choose your Au Pair!

    Our matching process is personal and thoughtful. After your consultation, we get to know your family’s lifestyle, values, and childcare preferences: from daily routines to personality fit and specific experience (like caring for toddlers or driving).

    We then carefully select Au Pair profiles. You’ll receive their applications, qualifications & references.

    From there, you decide who to interview, and we support you through the process until you’ve found someone who feels like the right fit.

    It’s all about creating a positive match that works for both sides.

  • A lot of families ask this! Many Au Pairs do have a driver’s licence, but experience and confidence levels can vary. If you prefer an Au Pair who can drive, just let us know and we’ll prioritise matches with licensed and confident drivers.

  • We understand that not every match is perfect & that’s okay. If issues come up, we’re here to support both you and your Au Pair with open communication and conflict resolution. If things still aren’t working out, we offer a free rematch within the first month.

  • You won’t be doing this alone, we’re here every step of the way. From the initial consultation to matching, interview tips, and onboarding guidance, we make sure you feel confident throughout the process.

    Our support doesn’t stop once your Au Pair arrives, we're with you throughout the entire placement. We check in regularly to see how things are going and are always available if you have questions or need advice. Whether it's helping to smooth out early adjustments, offering guidance on setting expectations, or navigating any challenges that arise, we’re just a message away.

    If things aren’t working out, we’ll step in to mediate and offer solutions. And if a change is needed, we offer a free rematch within the first month and help you find a better fit quickly and smoothly.

  • Au Pairs are responsible for organising their own visa (typically a Working Holiday Visa – subclass 417 or 462) and booking their travel to Australia. We provide them with clear guidance throughout the process, including support with planning, bank account setup, and getting settled once they arrive, so you can feel confident they’re well prepared

  • Yes! Au Pairs are encouraged to explore and travel during their stay in Australia! They’ll typically have 1.5 to 2 days off per week, plus public holidays and some agreed-upon vacation time. Many use this time to travel, visit friends, or explore nearby cities.

    Au Pairs can also join your family on holidays if it’s something you agree on together. Whether it’s a weekend away or a longer trip, it’s up to each family to decide what works best. With open communication and a bit of planning, your Au Pair can enjoy both independence and shared experiences with your family.

  • We understand that family life isn’t always predictable, routines shift, work schedules change, and sometimes there’s a new baby on the way. If your family’s needs evolve during the placement, flexibility and communication are key.

    We encourage open conversations between you and your Au Pair to adjust schedules, responsibilities, or expectations as needed. Whether that means adding a few extra hours, changing the daily routine, or introducing care for a younger child, it’s important that any changes are discussed and agreed upon by both sides.

    If you’re unsure how to navigate a change, we’re here to help. We can offer guidance, mediate conversations, and ensure everyone feels supported and respected throughout the adjustment.

  • Yes. Au Pairs can care for babies under 2, but there are a few important considerations. Caring for infants requires more experience and confidence, so we only recommend Au Pairs who have specific experience with babies, such as previous nannying, babysitting, or early childhood training.

    When families have very young children, we place extra care in the matching process. We’ll ensure the Au Pair has relevant references and feels comfortable with tasks like feeding, nappy changes, sleep routines, and general infant care.

    During your consultation, let us know if you’re looking for infant care, and we’ll match you with someone who’s qualified and confident in supporting your little one.

  • Yes! & we highly encourage it! Building a connection before your Au Pair arrives is a great way to create trust, ease nerves, and set the tone for a positive placement.

    After you confirm your match, we recommend:

    • Scheduling regular video calls (even short ones) to chat about daily routines, family life, and what to expect

    • Sharing photos or videos of your home, local area, and family activities

    • Answering questions they might have about their role, living with you, or life in Australia

    We’ll also set you up with a Welcome Pack and Family Guidelines to share with your Au Pair before they arrive. This helps them get familiar with your home, expectations, and the exciting new life they’re about to join.

    Good communication before arrival helps your Au Pair feel welcomed, confident, and excited and helps your family feel ready too!

👩‍🎓 What is a Demi Pair?

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  • A Demi Pair is similar to an Au Pair, but with reduced hours and more focus on study and cultural exchange. Demi Pairs typically assist with childcare and light household tasks for around 15–20 hours per week, usually in the mornings or afternoons.

    The rest of their time is spent attending language classes, university, or vocational training, making this a great option for families who don’t need full-time help but still want the benefits of a live-in cultural exchange.

    Demi Pairs receive weekly pocket money, accommodation, and meals, just like Au Pairs, but the lower hours mean a lower cost for families, usually around $150–$250 per week.

    This option is ideal for:

    • Families with school-aged kids who need part-time help

    • Families looking for support before/after school

    • Those seeking a more flexible, budget-friendly arrangement

    We’ll help match you with a Demi Pair whose study schedule and personality suit your home and routine.

  • Yes, families can host more than one Au Pair, depending on their needs and available space. This might look like:

    • Hosting two Au Pairs at the same time (great for large families or those needing extra help)

    • Back-to-back placements to ensure continued support year-round

    • Hosting a full-time Au Pair and a Demi Pair together, a helpful option if you need one person for core hours and another for light, part-time help

    If you’re considering multiple placements, you’ll need to provide:

    • A separate bedroom for each Au Pair or Demi Pair

    • Clear expectations, schedules, and roles

    • A supportive, inclusive home environment

    We’ll guide you through structuring a shared arrangement, ensuring it works smoothly for everyone involved, your family, the Au Pairs, and your home dynamic.

  • Hosting a Demi Pair is a fantastic option for families who want help at home but don’t need full-time childcare. Demi Pairs usually assist for 15–20 hours per week, making them ideal for before and after school care, a few hours in the mornings, or light household support during the day.

    Because they’re here on a cultural exchange and study experience, Demi Pairs often attend language courses or other education programs during the day, balancing their time between learning and helping your family.

    Here’s why many families love the Demi Pair option:

    • 🕓 Reduced hours = reduced cost (typically $150–$250/week in pocket money)

    • 👧🏽 Great for families with school-aged kids who don’t need full-time care

    • 🧺 Helpful with light household tasks, meals, and routines

    • 🌏 You still enjoy the benefits of cultural exchange and support in your home

    • 💸 More affordable than full-time Au Pairs or nannies, but still reliable and present

    It’s a flexible, budget-friendly way to welcome an extra set of hands into your home, and create a meaningful exchange along the way.

  • As part of the cultural exchange, an Au Pair’s room, meals, and household inclusion are considered part of what they receive in return for helping your family. A common guideline in Australia is that this is equal to around 15 hours of help per week.

    That means:

    • The first 15 hours/week are generally seen as a fair exchange for accommodation and meals

    • Any hours beyond 15 are typically paid with weekly pocket money