Au Pair Tasks & Responsibilities: A Complete Guide

The role of an au pair is unique: they are not just employees, but temporary family members who join you for a cultural exchange. While their primary focus is childcare, there is often confusion about what else they can be expected to do. This guide clarifies the typical tasks and responsibilities.

Core Responsibility: Childcare

The main reason for hosting an au pair is to have support with your children. These duties take priority over everything else and typically include:

• Preparing meals and snacks for the children

• Taking children to school, kindergarten, or activities

• Playing, reading, and organizing creative activities

• Helping with homework

• Assisting with morning and bedtime routines

Understanding "Light Housework"

Au pairs are expected to help with 'light housework,' but this term can be vague. Generally, this means tasks related to the children or maintaining a tidy common environment. It does NOT mean they are the household cleaner.

Appropriate household tasks include:

• Tidying the children's rooms and play areas

• Doing the children's laundry (washing, folding, putting away)

• Loading and unloading the dishwasher

• Keeping their own room and bathroom clean

• Preparing simple meals for the children

• Emptying the trash/recycling occasionally

What is NOT Included?

To prevent misunderstandings, it is crucial to know what falls outside an au pair's duties. An au pair should not be treated as a maid, gardener, or full-time nanny. Excluded tasks typically are:

• Heavy cleaning (scrubbing floors, windows, ovens, bathrooms)

• Gardening or major yard work

• Washing the car

• Doing the host parents' laundry or ironing

• Pet care (unless explicitly agreed upon in advance)

• Deep cleaning the entire house

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Communication is key. We recommend discussing these expectations during the interview process. Once you have agreed, write them down in the au pair contract. A weekly schedule can also help the au pair manage their time effectively between childcare, housework, and their own free time (language classes, social life).