When people think about childcare, they usually picture a babysitter, a daycare center, or maybe even a nanny. But there’s something different—and pretty special—about having an au pair. An au pair isn’t just someone who watches kids while parents are busy. They become part of the family, sort of like a big sibling, someone who helps out, has fun with the kids, and is there every day. For many kids, that kind of support makes a huge difference.
Let’s break down why so many kids really enjoy having an au pair around.
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It Feels More Like Family Than A Job
One of the biggest reasons kids enjoy having an au pair is because it doesn’t feel like there’s a hired helper around. Au pairs usually live in the house, so they’re around in the mornings, after school, and during other parts of the day when kids need help or company. They eat meals together, watch movies, do chores, and play games—just like family does.
Because they’re part of the home and not just someone who shows up at certain hours, kids start to trust them quickly. That kind of closeness helps children feel more comfortable. They’re not being left with a stranger—they’re spending time with someone they see every day, someone who actually knows what they like and how they’re feeling.
That bond is exactly what many parents are hoping to foster when they look for in-home childcare. For parents looking for a trustworthy place to find that kind of help, Go Au Pair is a popular option that connects families with well-matched au pairs from around the world.
They Bring Fun Into Everyday Life
Let’s be honest: routines can get boring. Waking up, brushing teeth, eating the same breakfast, doing homework—it’s not always exciting. But when there’s an au pair in the house, even regular parts of the day can feel more fun. Au pairs often bring a new energy into the home. They might have cool games to play, funny songs from their country, or just a way of making boring things seem less annoying.
Some au pairs teach kids songs or dances from where they’re from. Others tell stories at bedtime that the kids have never heard before. It’s not just entertaining—it’s a way of opening up the world without having to travel anywhere. And for kids, having someone around who always has a new idea or activity makes a big difference in how they experience the day.
One-On-One Attention Makes Kids Feel Special
In big families or busy homes, kids sometimes feel a little lost in the mix. Parents have a lot to do, and it can be hard to give each child personal time. That’s where an au pair really helps. Because they’re focused on helping just that family, au pairs often give kids the kind of one-on-one attention that makes them feel important.
Whether it’s reading a book, helping with a science project, or just listening to what happened at school, kids get someone who’s actually paying attention. That kind of care isn’t just nice—it actually helps kids feel more confident and secure.
Even shy kids tend to open up when they know someone is listening and really interested in them. Over time, that bond becomes strong. Au pairs can go from being “the new person in the house” to “my best buddy” in just a few weeks.
Learning New Things Without Even Realizing It
One cool thing about au pairs is that they come from different countries. That means they often speak another language or celebrate different holidays, eat different foods, or have different traditions. For kids, that’s an awesome chance to learn new things without it ever feeling like school.
For example, an au pair from France might teach the kids how to count in French. One from Brazil might show them how to cook something simple from home. These kinds of experiences don’t just teach facts—they help kids understand people who live in other places, which is a really good thing.
The world feels bigger and more interesting when kids are exposed to different cultures. And because the learning happens through fun, everyday moments, kids usually don’t even notice how much they’re picking up.
There’s Always Someone To Talk To Or Play With
Sometimes, parents are working late. Maybe a friend can’t come over. On those days, it’s easy for kids to feel bored or alone. But when there’s an au pair in the house, there’s always someone to hang out with.
Whether it’s playing soccer in the yard, doing crafts, or just talking, having an au pair means there’s always a friendly face around. And because they spend so much time with the kids, au pairs usually know exactly what they enjoy. They can jump into a game, help build a fort, or suggest something new to do.
Even simple things—like having someone sit with them during lunch—can turn a boring day into something better.
They Help Keep Things Calm
Some parts of the day can be a little stressful. Getting ready for school. Doing homework. Getting everyone into bed. These are times when kids often feel rushed or cranky, and that can lead to arguments or meltdowns.
Having an extra adult around who’s calm and patient makes a big difference. Au pairs can help with the little things—picking out clothes, brushing teeth, double-checking homework—so that parents don’t have to do it all alone. This makes the whole house feel less tense.
And for the kids, it means they get help without feeling rushed or yelled at. That makes routines smoother and feelings easier to handle.
It Feels Good To Have A Consistent Person Around
Kids like knowing what to expect. That’s why schedules and routines are important. When an au pair is there every day, kids know who’s going to help them get ready, pick them up from school, or read them a bedtime story.
That kind of predictability is comforting. It helps kids feel safe. Unlike a babysitter who might change from day to day, an au pair sticks around for months—sometimes even a full year. That’s enough time to build real trust and memories together.
Some families even stay in touch with their au pairs after they leave. The bond doesn’t always end just because the time is up.
Kids Notice When Adults Care
Here’s the thing: kids can tell when someone actually cares about them. They know when someone’s doing the bare minimum and when someone is truly interested in what they’re thinking, feeling, and doing.
Most au pairs choose to be part of a family because they enjoy being around kids. They want to help, teach, and build friendships. That genuine care is what makes the biggest impact. And for a child, knowing someone is always on their side? That’s a powerful feeling.
Why It Matters
In the end, it’s not about big activities or expensive toys. What really matters to kids is connection. An au pair provides something that’s hard to find—a mix of friend, helper, and role model all in one. Whether it’s laughing during a board game, helping with reading practice, or just being there when someone needs a hug, an au pair makes daily life better.
Families often choose au pairs to get support. But for kids, it often means getting someone who feels like a new best friend.
