Having an au pair join your family can be an exciting, rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially for the au pair. Moving to a new country, living with a family they don’t know, and adapting to unfamiliar customs can feel overwhelming. That’s where you, as a host family, can make a world of difference.
So how can you help your au pair settle in and make this transition easier? Here’s everything you need to know.
Understanding Culture Shock
Your au pair is likely to experience culture shock, and it’s perfectly normal. They’re coming from a different background, with their own set of traditions and ways of life. What’s familiar to you might be completely new to them. Imagine being in their shoes—suddenly, everything from the food to social norms to even how people greet each other is different.
How do you make this smoother for them?
Start by having an open conversation about their home culture. Ask them about their traditions, what they love, and how things work back home. This not only shows respect for their background but also helps you identify what might be drastically different for them. The more you understand, the more you can help them adjust.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
As leading au pair agency goaupair.com will tell you, effective communication is key. Don’t assume your au pair will pick up on things just because they’ve been with you for a few days. They’re likely learning a new language or at least improving their skills in it, which means they may not understand everything right away. Be patient and take time to explain household rules, daily routines, and expectations clearly.
It’s also important to encourage your au pair to express any concerns or challenges they’re facing. They might feel uncomfortable bringing up issues on their own, so create an environment where they feel safe to do so. This openness will go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings.
Help Them Build a Social Network
One of the biggest challenges for au pairs is feeling isolated. They’ve left their friends and family behind and don’t know anyone in the new country. While they’ll likely bond with your family, it’s important they form connections outside the household as well.
Encourage them to meet other au pairs in the area, perhaps by introducing them to local au pair groups or helping them sign up for community activities. Sometimes, just knowing someone else who’s in a similar situation can be a huge comfort.
You could also help them explore your community by showing them around the neighborhood or recommending activities they might enjoy. Whether it’s a local gym, a class, or a popular coffee spot, these little suggestions can help them feel more connected and at home.
Be Patient with the Adjustment Period
Don’t expect your au pair to feel comfortable right away. Like anyone moving to a new place, it takes time to adjust. The first few weeks might be a rollercoaster of emotions for them—excitement, homesickness, confusion, and maybe a bit of frustration.
During this time, check in regularly to see how they’re doing. Something as simple as asking, “How are you feeling today?” can open up important conversations. Maybe they miss a particular food from home or are struggling with local customs. Little gestures, like helping them find a store that sells ingredients from their home country, can make a big difference.
Support Their Independence
While it’s great for your au pair to bond with your family, they also need to feel independent. After all, they’ve moved abroad for an experience of personal growth, not just to take care of children. Give them space to explore their new environment on their own. Support their hobbies, encourage them to go on weekend trips, or simply allow them downtime.
A great way to help them feel independent is by encouraging them to make decisions, whether it’s planning a weekend outing or helping decide what to cook for dinner. The more empowered they feel, the more confident they’ll become.
Tips for Making the Transition Smoother
If you’re wondering how to help your au pair settle into life in a new country more seamlessly, consider these practical tips:
- Welcome them warmly – When they first arrive, make their room cozy and inviting. A welcome gift, like a local guidebook or something meaningful from your family, can help them feel at home.
- Be clear about expectations – Set the groundwork for a strong relationship by discussing house rules, work hours, and their responsibilities early on.
- Teach them about local customs – Whether it’s how to navigate public transport, shop for groceries, or order at a café, these practical tips can go a long way in helping them feel less like an outsider.
- Celebrate special days – If your au pair has a special holiday from their home country, join them in celebrating it. Likewise, include them in your family’s traditions to give them a true cultural exchange.
- Check in on their well-being – A simple conversation can uncover any issues before they become bigger problems. Are they homesick? Struggling with the language? A little empathy goes a long way.
Giving Them the Best Experience Possible
Helping your au pair adjust to life in a new country isn’t just about making their stay comfortable—it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive. The more you invest in making their transition smoother, the better experience they’ll have, and the stronger bond your family will form with them.
So, take the time to understand their challenges, be patient, and most importantly, keep communication open. You’ll not only help your au pair settle in but also enrich your family’s experience by learning from them. It’s a journey worth taking together.
