Host Family Information

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, and 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 & 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 2–4 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.