
Press 2026
„Ich bin mutiger geworden“
Lokalteil Plankstadt/Eppelheim, 3 January 2026 · Series „Ein Au-pair aus Indien“, part 2 · by Noah Eschwey
Summary
Why a family said yes a second time
Part two of the series „Ein Au-pair aus Indien“ follows a family from Plankstadt who, after a year with their first au pair, faced the question of whether to take this path again. Everyday life with three children, one of whom has a high level of support needs, is demanding to organise — and support matters especially when other childcare options do not work.
From that first year, the family took away a clear lesson: it comes down to clear arrangements, mutual respect and time to settle in. For the parents, the idea of opening up a perspective for a young person from another country also played a part.
Since the beginning of December, the family's second au pair has been living with them. In interview, she talks about how she experienced the move to Germany, what surprised her, and what she hopes for during her time here. The conversation was held in English — and sometimes with hands and feet.
The piece is part two of a series; the interview was conducted by Noah Eschwey. What an au pair takes on — and where the limits lie — is set out under our services (in German) and in our frequently asked questions (in German).
Key points
What the article reports
- Second part of a series: the family had already had an au pair from India living with them for a year.
- Their first au pair has remained part of family life to this day.
- What the family took from the first year: clear arrangements, mutual respect and time to settle in.
- For the parents, opening up a perspective for a young person from another country mattered too.
- The second au pair has been living with the family since the beginning of December.
- The interview was conducted in English.
Published by Lokalteil Plankstadt/Eppelheim on 3 January 2026.
Read on
Further publications
- „Ich kann euch Melanie Matl und ihre Agentur wärmstens empfehlen“The Cologne family blog „Willkommen bei den Wües“ warmly recommends Melanie Matl and her agency on Instagram.Social media (in German)
- „Melanie Matl ist nicht nur Kinderbuchautorin“The Cologne association Süße Zitronen e.V. presents Melanie Matl's children's book on Instagram — and mentions her agency.Social media (in German)
- SFZ im Kreis Heinsberg stellt die Agentur vorA self-help and volunteer centre in the Heinsberg district presents the agency on its Facebook channel and links to our website.Mention (in German)
- Aupair für Mädchen mit BehinderungA regional newspaper report on a family in Schorndorf whose second au pair from India supports their daughter, who has a disability.Press (in German)
- „Unterstützung finden: Betreuungsangebote und deren Finanzierung für Familien mit Kindern mit Behinderung“A free online event by the Cologne association Süße Zitronen e.V. on care and funding options — with a short guest contribution by Melanie Matl.Professional event (in German)
- Melanie Matl aus Füssen ist Mutter einer Tochter mit Behinderung und kämpft für mehr InklusionA regional newspaper profile of Melanie Matl, the agency's founder, and her advocacy for inclusion.Press (in German)
- Au-pairs für Familien mit einem Kind mit BehinderungAn online information event held by the Schleswig-Holstein state association for people with physical and multiple disabilities, on au pairs in families with a child with a disability.Professional event (in German)
- Folge 176 – Mit Melanie Matl über Inklusion & Au PairA podcast conversation with Melanie Matl about inclusion and about placing au pairs with families of children with disabilities.Interview (in German)
- Unsere Reise zur InklusionA guest article written by Melanie Matl herself — her own journey from her family's story and her children's book to founding the agency.Guest article (in German)
- Au-Pair für Familien mit einem Kind mit Behinderung – wie geht das?Announcement of a talk for the Trisomie 21 Frankfurt association about au pairs for families with a child with a disability.Professional event (in German)
- „Manchmal müssen wir wie Löwen kämpfen“The family questionnaire of the Lebenshilfe Zeitung: Melanie Matl on paperwork, participation and the origin of the agency.Press (in German)
- Integrativer Spielplatz für alle Kinder in Füssen gefordertA regional newspaper report on the initiative by Melanie and Mark Matl for an inclusive playground in Füssen.Press (in German)
- „Besondere Sterne“ im AWO-Familienstützpunkt in Füssen: Familien mit Behinderten treffen sichA report on the first meeting of the parent group founded by Melanie Matl at the AWO family support centre — the „Besondere Sterne“ in the title is this group, not the agency.Press (in German)
- Williams-Beuren-Syndrom: Fernsehbeitrag bringt Mütter zusammenHow a television report brought together two mothers of children with Williams-Beuren syndrome.Press (in German)
- Begleitmaterial zum Stück „SIMPEL“ empfiehlt das KinderbuchThe Theater in Kempten recommends Melanie Matl's children's book in its introductory material for the play „SIMPEL“.Mention (in German)
- Für weniger Ausgrenzung und BerührungsängsteA television report on Melanie Matl's children's book about inclusion. The video version is no longer publicly available.Press (in German)
- Wenn Dazugehören ein Traum istA report on Melanie Matl's daughter and on how her children's book came about.Press (in German)
- Au-Pair im AlltagA family's own account of their path to an au pair for their child with a disability — from the search through to the decision.Experience report (in German)
- Au pair Erfahrungen: Unser Jahr mit JamieA family blog's account of an au pair year — including how the family found their next au pair through Besondere Sterne.Experience report (in German)
- Mutige Mutter und couragierte KämpferinA magazine piece about Melanie Matl, her daughter and her children's book.Press (in German)
- Menschen von hier und heute: Melanie MatlA portrait of Melanie Matl and her children's book, published in a regional utility's customer magazine.Press (in German)
- Einen Stein ins Rollen gebrachtA report on Melanie Matl's campaign for the first inclusive playground in the region.Press (in German)
- Jeder ist einzigartigA review of Melanie Matl's children's book — a plea for warmth towards children who are different.Press (in German)