The Application Process

I found the application process—when we started quite a few years ago—very reassuring.

Even though there are several steps involved, like police checks and references, I felt comforted knowing these checks are done on both sides: for the Host Family and for the Au Pair. It gave me confidence that every Au Pair goes through the same process. I didn’t have to worry about whether an Au Pair was a suitable applicant, because I knew they’d been fully vetted by AIFS.

I also understand that for some Au Pairs, it’s their first time away from home. In fact, for one of ours, it was her first time on a plane. I’m sure her family also felt reassured knowing that AIFS had taken care of the vetting and that the experience would be safe and enriching.

The Benefits to Our Family

Over the years, I’ve worked out what suits our family best. A six-month placement tends to work really well. I also need someone who can start on a specific date, due to my work commitments. Dietary requirements are also important for us – life is already busy, so we try to avoid any added stress around meal planning.

We’re looking for our twelfth Au Pair, and honestly, I don’t know when we’ll stop needing them...

At this stage, I don’t really worry when choosing someone. We've been a Host Family for so long that we know we can make it work. We’ve had all kinds of Au Pairs: quiet ones, independent ones, and some who needed a bit more support. When we’re selecting an Au Pair, we always look at how friendly they seem in their video and whether they truly enjoy being with children. Flexibility is key – family life can be unpredictable. It also helps if they come from a busy household, have siblings, or are involved in clubs and their community. It shows they’re used to a lively environment.

Some of the highlights from the past few years include:

• Our very first Au Pair was such a positive addition to our house- and part of the reason we’ve continued hosting ever since. At the time, my son was only 13 or 14 months old, so I looked for someone who was similar to me and would make similar parenting decisions.
• I’ve become friends with a few Au Pairs because we shared the same sense of humour. We had great conversations over dinner, and they would tell me about their adventures.
• I’ve really enjoyed when our Au Pair’s friends became friends with our family – especially when their host children were similar in age to ours.
• One Au Pair was with us when my eldest son became seriously ill and was hospitalised. She handled it so well. While we were at the hospital, she stayed at home and managed everything confidently.

Having Au Pairs has been a huge benefit for me as a parent. It’s allowed me to work full-time – something many parents can’t do without reliable childcare. This has enabled me to focus on building the career I want. Parents always have to make compromises, but with the support of an Au Pair, I’ve been able to work in the way that I want to and is best for my family.

Having an Au Pair also means my boys can take part in after-school activities like footy. Because the Au Pair can pick them up, they don’t need to go into after-school care. It allows them to be part of their community in a way they really enjoy.

Experiencing New Cultures

As a family, we’ve gained new traditions we wouldn’t have had otherwise – mostly German ones, since most of our Au Pairs have been German. Last year, our Au Pair was from Switzerland. My boys have even picked up some German phrases, which they like to use to surprise new au pairs. Christmas is especially fun, as they get to celebrate both St. Nikolaus and Santa. It’s been a great way for them to learn that different countries and regions have their own unique customs.

Should You Become a Host Family?

Right now, we’re looking for our twelfth Au Pair, and honestly, I don’t know when we’ll stop needing them. I’ve recommended AIFS to several families and will continue to do so. We’ve had a really positive experience with them. It’s a significant investment with each placement, but I don’t have the time to do all the legwork. I’m happy to outsource that to AIFS, because I know I can rely on their service.

The question I get asked most is: what’s it like having a stranger living in your home, and how do you manage it?

Yes, they arrive as a stranger and share our home – including the bathroom with the children – but within a few weeks, they become part of the family. We’re still in contact with all of our former Au Pairs.

Having “strangers” join our family has taught us, especially my boys, to be welcoming and polite. We try not to yell or get caught up in drama. Of course, it still happens, but having someone new around reminds us to be mindful of others. It’s been a great learning experience.

I remember one time my son was placed in a reading group with classmates who needed extra support. He asked why (as he doesn't need extra support in that area), and our Au Pair explained that it was likely because he’s a good listener and can understand people who might speak or communicate differently. She pointed out that he picks up on things others might miss, probably from listening to and communicating with all our Au Pairs with their different accents and communication styles. That insight really stayed with me.