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Au Pair definition - What is an AuPair?

 

The word "Au Pair" is a French term, which means "on par" or "equal to", denoting living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship between the host family and the children. An aupair will typically be a young woman and sometimes a young man from a foreign country who chooses to help look after the children of a host family and provide light housekeeping. The aupair is given room and board and is typically paid a weekly "pocket-money" salary. Aupairs generally stay with their host family for one year.

See detailed information on Au Pair Salary. Get more information on Au Pair Search.

An aupair is usually between the ages of 18 and 26 years old, yet some countries allow younger and older aupairs. Be sure to see all of the country-dependent program requirements in the AuPair Visa section.

Aupairs are typically in search of a new cultural experience while also desiring to serve as an integral part of a parenting team. This experience usually draws aupairs to a new country and often times involves improving on their foreign language skills.

An aupair is not considered a domestic employee and therefore taxes need not be paid as such. An aupair is not a nanny. Please see AuPair & Nanny Differences.

In Europe, there are three different categories of Au Pair:

Au Pair
See Au Pair in Europe under Au Pair & Nanny Salary

Au Pair Plus
See Au Pair Plus in Europe under Au Pair & Nanny Salary

Mothers' Help
See Mother's Help in Europe under Au Pair & Nanny Salary

Typical AuPair Duties & Responsibilities

While the specific duties and responsibilities of an aupair will vary depending on the age of the children and the family's requirements, below is a good starting point for most families and aupairs.

• Wake children in the morning
• Make sure the children are groomed and dressed
• Make sure children's beds are made and their rooms are clean
• Prepare breakfast for the children
• Prepare lunches for the children
• Clean up breakfast dishes
• Make sure children have books and homework for school
• Drive children to school (if needed)
• Chores while children are at school:
  • Grocery shopping
  • Vacuuming
  • Dusting
  • Emptying trash
  • Folding clothes
• Pick up children from school
• Prepare a healthy afternoon snack
• Assist the children with their homework
• Bathe the children

Click Host Family Expectations for more detailed information on what to expect as a Host Family.

Click AuPair Expectations for more detailed information on what to expect as a First Time AuPair.