Questions Parents Should Ask the Host Family in the Video Call
Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Pexels
The video call with the host family is the most important moment before saying yes — and the best protection there is. This is where it's decided whether your child will feel comfortable with this family. Being there as a parent isn't distrust, it's common sense. Four eyes see more than two.
To help you make the most of the call, we've sorted the key questions by topic. Don't ask them all at once — pick what matters most to you, and ideally plan for two calls. A first one to get to know each other, a second for the details.
Before the call: a quick prep
A few minutes of preparation make the difference:
- Write your questions down beforehand — in conversation you quickly forget half of them.
- Make sure both host parents (if there are two) and the children are at least briefly visible. A family that never shows its children is a warning sign.
- Ask for a short video tour of the home and especially of your child's future room.
- Pay attention to your gut feeling. Does the family seem open and honest? Do they let you finish speaking?
Questions about daily life and the family
- What does a typical day in your family look like?
- How old are the children and what are they like? What do they enjoy doing?
- What do you expect from an au-pair — and what specifically do you not expect?
- Have you had an au-pair before? How was that experience, and are you still in touch?
- How would you describe your family in three words?
Questions about working hours, duties, and free time
- How many childcare hours per week are you planning — and at what times of day?
- Which tasks are included, and which are not? (Childcare yes, heavy housework no.)
- How are days off arranged? Is there at least one free weekend a month?
- How will my child get to the language course and to friends — is there public transport or a car?
- How much holiday is planned?
Focus less on perfect answers than on honesty. A family that openly says “mornings are hectic here, that's when we really need help” is more trustworthy than one where everything sounds effortless and rosy. Real families have real daily lives.
Questions about safety, the room, and emergencies
- Could you show us the room? Does it have a window, its own bed, a private space, and Wi-Fi?
- What kind of area do you live in — city, suburb, countryside? How safe is the neighbourhood?
- How will my child be insured (health, accident, liability)?
- Who can my child turn to if they're homesick or something isn't right?
- How will we as parents stay in contact with you in an emergency?
Warning signs to take seriously: the family refuses to show the room or the children by video; they push for a quick yes; they want to move communication off the platform to a private chat straight away; or working hours and duties stay vague despite your asking. In such cases, trust your gut.
