Tips for Helping Your Kids Bond with an Au Pair
Bringing an au pair into your home is an exciting step for your family. It’s a chance to introduce your children to new cultures, experiences, and perspectives while getting some much-needed help with childcare. But let’s face it—transitioning to life with an au pair is a big change for everyone involved. How can you ensure your kids build a strong, happy bond with their new caregiver?
Start with Open Conversations
Before your au pair from goaupair.com arrives, sit down with your children and explain what’s happening. Depending on their age, kids may not fully understand what an au pair is or why they’re coming to stay. Be clear but positive.
You might say something like, “We’re welcoming someone into our family to help us with things like playing, learning, and exploring. It’s also a chance to learn about another culture and make a new friend!” This way, your kids know what to expect and can start feeling excited rather than uncertain.
It’s also helpful to address any specific concerns they may have. Are they worried about sharing their space? Do they wonder if you’ll still spend as much time with them? Listening to their thoughts can help ease anxieties early on.
Involve Your Kids in the Process
Children feel more connected to someone when they’ve had a say in the relationship. If possible, let your kids be part of the preparation process.
- Decorate together – Get their input on how to set up the au pair’s room.
- Create welcome cards – Handmade cards or drawings are a great way for kids to express their excitement.
- Plan fun activities – Ask your children what they’d like to do with their au pair during their first week.
Even small tasks like choosing snacks for the au pair’s arrival can give your kids a sense of ownership over this new relationship.
Set Clear Roles and Routines
Children thrive on structure, so it’s essential to establish clear roles for your au pair from the beginning. Sit down as a family and discuss things like:
- Daily routines – Who’s responsible for drop-offs, pick-ups, or bedtime stories?
- Household rules – What are the expectations for screen time, snacks, or tidying up?
- Boundaries – Make sure your kids understand that while the au pair is part of the family, they also need personal time.
When everyone knows what to expect, it reduces confusion and sets the stage for a positive experience.
Create Time for Connection
Your kids and their au pair will need time to form a bond. In those first few weeks, focus on building trust and creating shared memories.
Start small. Encourage activities that naturally bring people together, like reading stories, playing games, or doing arts and crafts. If your children are shy, something as simple as baking cookies or watching a favourite movie can help them warm up.
Don’t expect the relationship to form overnight. Like any friendship, it will grow with time and shared experiences.
Celebrate Cultural Exchange
One of the greatest benefits of having an au pair is the opportunity to introduce your family to a new culture. Make this a fun, enriching experience for your kids.
Ask your au pair to share traditions, holidays, or recipes from their home country. Maybe they can teach a few words in their native language or show your children a popular game they played as kids.
Likewise, encourage your children to share their favourite traditions, too. This mutual exchange fosters curiosity and respect, helping your au pair feel welcomed while giving your kids a broader view of the world.
Maintain Open Communication
Building a strong relationship isn’t just about your kids connecting with the au pair—it’s also about your role as a parent. Keep communication open with your au pair, regularly checking in to see how they’re settling in and if there’s anything they need.
It’s also essential to model respect. When your kids see you treating the au pair kindly and involving them in family life, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Keep it Fun and Flexible
Remember that every family is unique, and so is every au pair. Some adjustments will take longer than others, and that’s okay. Be patient and focus on the positives.
If something isn’t working, tweak it. Maybe the daily schedule needs a little more flexibility, or a certain activity isn’t resonating with your kids. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
Look for Signs of Success
How will you know when the bond is forming? Watch for the little moments: your kids running to show the au pair their latest drawing, laughing together at an inside joke, or even just seeking their comfort when they’re upset.
These are signs that your family and your au pair are creating something special—a connection that goes beyond a simple work arrangement.
A New Chapter for Your Family
Welcoming an au pair isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a supportive, enriching environment for your kids. The right approach can turn this transition into a beautiful chapter in your family’s story—one filled with laughter, learning, and new experiences.
So take it one day at a time, keep communication flowing, and watch as your kids build a bond with their au pair that could last a lifetime. This journey isn’t just about bringing someone into your home; it’s about expanding your family in a way that benefits everyone.
