{"id":9585,"date":"2023-12-12T17:52:35","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T22:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/au-pairs\/?p=9585"},"modified":"2025-11-21T19:29:19","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T00:29:19","slug":"how-to-match-with-the-right-host-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/au-pairs\/become-au-pair\/how-to-match-with-the-right-host-family\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Match with the Right Host Family"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This post was originally published in June 2019 and revised in December 2023 by other contributors.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every au pair and host family match is unique, and we know that yours is going to be special. Are you unsure of how to choose the right host family for you? This feeling is normal and to be expected; it\u2019s a very big decision!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image courtesy of the Perry Family<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to help you as you decide which host family is right for your au pair experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep an Open Mind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A family may surprise you, even if their initial profile doesn\u2019t seem like a fit. Take every interview opportunity you can to connect with a new family and come into the conversation with an open mind and prepared questions<\/a>. A quick tip \u2013 be sure to be on time to your calls since punctuality is an essential value in American culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Base Your Decision on Location<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You may have an area of the U.S. that you have been dreaming of living in, but this isn\u2019t a good way to choose your host family. It\u2019s much more important for you and your host family to get along, have the same goals, and be a strong team. Remember, you can always use your vacation time and travel month to see your favorite American cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age Range Matters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Take time to think about your personality and the age range of the kids that you want to care for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Babies and toddlers require a personality that is okay with staying home and sticking to a routine. Older children need a strong driver for their various activities. If you like to be very active, a baby may not be the best option. If you are a more calm, introverted au pair, older children who require high energy may not be a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though it\u2019s to be expected you\u2019ll be at home more with a baby and possibly driving more with older children, it\u2019s always best to ask specific questions with regards to routine and expectations. You may be surprised by what you learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pay Attention to Personalities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You and your host family don\u2019t need to be exactly the same, but your personalities do need to work together to create a successful relationship. You can uncover this by asking as many questions as you can! Here are a few to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n