Cultural Tips
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You’re starting as an au-pair this fall? You’re not the only one.
Most au-pair years start between August and October. That means: anyone arriving now will come together with many others—and can find them even before the flight.
Au-pair and lonely? What really helps in the first weeks
The first weeks are the toughest for almost every au pair. What helps, how you’ll know it’s turning around — and when you should seek help.
Making Friends as an au pair: 9 Ways That Really Work
New in the country and don’t know anyone? These nine ways lead to real contacts – from au pair meet‑ups and language courses to the feature that shows you other au pairs nearby.
10 Activity Ideas with Host Children (Indoor & Outdoor)
The best activities with host children are cheap, age-appropriate and screen-free. Here are 10 indoor and outdoor ideas — from a treasure hunt to baking.
Homesickness as an au pair: 10 tips that really help
Homesickness is part of the au pair experience. Here are 10 proven tips that really help—shared by au pairs who made it.
Video Call with the Host Family: Tips, Questions, and Red Flags
How to prepare for your first conversation with a host family: tech check, topics for the first and second call, questions about daily life and boundaries, children on camera, and warning signs you should take seriously.
The first weeks: How parents can tell that their child is doing well
Is your au-pair child really doing well in the first weeks? You’ll know it when they talk about new people and routines on site. A warning sign is withdrawal.
Au-Pair vs. Work & Travel vs. Gap Year: 6 Key Differences
Au-pair, Work & Travel or a gap year? As an au-pair you get free room, board and pocket money with a host family — plus built-in structure. We compare all three honestly.
Staying in Touch Across Time Zones: A Healthy Check-In Rhythm
How do you stay close to your child living abroad as an au-pair without smothering them? Agree on a regular but light rhythm — one weekly video call plus casual messaging — and respect the time difference.
9 Apps for Your Au-Pair Year (Language, Money, Transport & Contact)
Which apps make an au-pair year easier? These 9 cover the four key needs: learning the language, sending money abroad, getting around, and staying in touch.
Supporting a Homesick Au-Pair from Afar: Help Without Clinging
When your child is homesick as an au-pair, the most helpful thing is to listen and encourage them to settle in locally — not to rush them home. How to support from a distance.