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Summer with Your Au Pair: Making the Most of Childcare and Cultural Exchange

by Marisa Lonic on May 26, 2025

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Summer offers families and au pairs a unique chance to bond and create lasting memories. Effective planning, outdoor and indoor activities, and cultural exchanges are essential. Communicating schedules and sun safety is crucial. By sharing experiences, families can enjoy meaningful moments, enriching both their lives and those of their au pairs throughout the season.

Au pair and host family stand on the sidewalk smiling.

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Cultural Misunderstandings Decoded: What Your Au Pair Might Really Mean

by Marisa Lonic on May 9, 2025

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Did you know that miscommunication occurs in almost 75% of everyday interactions? Seventy-five percent! Add in the possible component of cross-cultural differences, and you...

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The Ripple Effect: How Host Children Grow Through Cultural Exchange

by Marisa Lonic on April 28, 2025

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Hosting an au pair has immense childcare benefits like a flexible schedule, live-in support, and personalized care for your children. But have you thought...

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Setting Boundaries Without Building Walls

by Marisa Lonic on April 14, 2025

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Creating a Healthy Relationship with Your Live-in Au Pair

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Communication: The Key to Au Pair Program Monthly Contacts

by Jill DeMarco on March 11, 2025

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This post was originally published in July 2015 and revised in March 2025 by other contributors. Communication is the key to any relationship. The...

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5 Essential Communication Tips for Building a Strong Relationship With Your Au Pair

by Marisa Lonic on March 11, 2025

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This post was originally published in September 2023 and updated in March 2025 by other contributors. Having an au pair can be an enriching...

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An Overview of Host Family Responsibilities in the Au Pair Program

by Marisa Lonic on January 27, 2025

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While some people may hear the term “au pair” and assume it’s the same thing as “nanny” or “babysitter”, there’s much more that comes along with hosting an au pair. The Au Pair program is a U.S. Department of State sponsored program rooted in cultural exchange.