Topic area
Living together and settling in
Arriving, settling in, growing together — finding a shared everyday life step by step.
An au pair does not simply move in with you — a new shared everyday life takes shape. In the first weeks in particular, everyone is still getting to know each other, routines develop and different habits meet. Here you can read what is quite normal at the beginning, how to deal with typical everyday situations and how settling in can step by step become a good life together.
Questions in this area
What happens if it does not work out?
Not every difficulty means straight away that it does not work out. What matters from the start is open and honest communication, brief everyday conversations and regular feedback conversations. Many misunderstandings can be resolved early this way. …
Must an au pair live with the host family?
Not necessarily directly in the host family's flat or house. Under certain conditions, separate accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the host family can also be provided for the au pair.
What do we need to prepare before arrival?
Before arrival, above all the au pair's room should be fully prepared, the family's most important routines clarified, and all organisational matters for the first few days planned. …
How do we handle different eating habits?
Food is a piece of home - and especially in the first few weeks, the familiar can be very comforting. Your au pair does not have to adapt to German eating habits from one day to the next. …
Our au pair is withdrawing. Is that normal?
Withdrawal can have many causes and does not automatically mean your au pair feels uncomfortable with you. Especially early on, homesickness, the many new impressions, uncertainty or feeling overwhelmed can all play a role. …
Our child does not respond to the au pair. What should we do?
Give your child time and try not to force anything. An au pair is at first a completely new person in your child's everyday life - with a different voice, perhaps a different language, a different appearance and a different way of communicating. …
What happens if my au pair falls ill?
Of course an au pair can also fall ill. For this case, they hold health insurance for the duration of their stay and can receive medical treatment in Germany. …
What happens in the first twelve weeks?
The first twelve weeks lay the foundation for a successful au pair year. During this time, the au pair, host family and children really get to know each other, routines develop, and the au pair steadily gains confidence in everyday family life. …
Getting to know each other
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