Guides for au pairs and host families.
Helpful articles about onboarding, routines, communication, children’s activities and everyday au pair life in the Netherlands — including things to do for au pairs in their free time.
Showing 34 of 34 articles
Kids activities
What to do with kids on very hot days
Practical hot-weather ideas for children, including water play, calm indoor activities, sunscreen, shade, drinking tips and a simple day rhythm.
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Host families
Host family rematch: how to find a new au pair
A practical guide for host families in rematch, including childcare uncertainty, finding a better match and interviewing rematch au pairs.
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Au pairs
Au pair rematch: how to find a new host family
A reassuring guide for au pairs in rematch who want to find a new host family nearby, handle uncertainty and make a clearer next match.
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Matching
How to handle an au pair rematch
A practical and respectful guide to handling an au pair rematch, including signs it may be needed, conversations, children, emotions and next steps.
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Host families
Is an au pair right for your family?
An honest host family guide to the pros, cons and questions to ask before choosing an au pair, including privacy, expectations and family fit.
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Host families
Au pair vs daycare and after-school care: benefits for host families
A practical host family guide comparing an au pair with daycare and after-school care, including flexibility, family routines, continuity and cultural exchange.
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The Hague
Sports memberships in The Hague for au pairs
A practical guide to sports memberships in The Hague for au pairs, including gyms, running, fitness classes, swimming and social sports options.
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The Hague
Language courses in The Hague for au pairs
Useful language course options in The Hague for au pairs, including Dutch classes, English practice, libraries, community options and study tips.
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The Hague
Rainy day activities with kids in The Hague
Practical rainy day activities with kids in The Hague, including indoor play, museums, libraries, cafés, baking, crafts and easy ideas for au pairs and families.
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The Hague
Things to do for au pairs in The Hague
A practical local guide for au pairs in The Hague, including cafés, beaches, parks, social activities, sport, language practice and weekend ideas.
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Matching preparation
What to Discuss Before Saying Yes to an Au Pair Match
A practical guide for host families and au pairs on what to discuss before saying yes to a match.
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Matching preparation
How to Follow Up After an Au Pair Video Call
A practical guide for host families and au pairs on how to follow up after a first au pair video call.
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Matching preparation
What to Do if You Have Doubts Before Matching
A practical guide for au pairs and host families on how to handle doubts before matching.
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Matching preparation
Red Flags Before Matching With an Au Pair or Host Family
Practical red flags host families and au pairs can notice before matching, including unclear expectations, rushed decisions and values mismatch.
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Matching preparation
How to Know if an Au Pair Match Feels Right
A practical guide to help host families and au pairs reflect on whether a match feels clear, realistic and values-aligned.
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Matching preparation
How to Compare Two Au Pair or Host Family Matches
A practical way to compare two au pair or host family matches across daily life, expectations, communication and values match.
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Matching preparation
How Au Pairs Can Prepare for the First Host Family Video Call
A practical guide for au pairs preparing a first host family video call, including daily life, role clarity, privacy and values match.
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Matching preparation
How to Prepare for Your First Au Pair Video Call
A practical guide for host families and au pairs preparing a first video call, including daily life, expectations and values match.
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Matching preparation
Au Pair Interview Questions for Host Families
Practical interview questions host families can ask before a first au pair video call.
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Matching preparation
Questions Au Pairs Should Ask Host Families Before Matching
Practical questions au pairs can ask host families before a first matching conversation or video call.
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Host family preparation
How to Create a Great Host Family Profile
A practical guide for host families on how to write a clear, warm and honest au pair profile before starting conversations.
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Au pair preparation
How to Create a Great Au Pair Profile
A practical guide for au pairs on how to write a warm, clear and honest profile before starting conversations with host families.
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The Hague local guide
Child-friendly beach clubs in Scheveningen with play areas
A practical guide to child-friendly beach clubs and beach spots in Scheveningen, including play areas, relaxed terraces and tips for au pairs and host families.
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Au pair life
Useful NS train subscriptions in the Netherlands for au pairs
A simple guide to NS Flex, Dal Voordeel, Weekend Vrij, Dal Vrij and choosing the right train subscription as an au pair.
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Kids activities
Father’s Day activities and crafts for kids
Simple Father’s Day crafts, cards and homemade gift ideas for babies, toddlers, school-age children and teens.
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Kids activities
World Cup activities for kids: crafts, colouring pages and match day ideas
Easy World Cup activities for kids, au pairs and host families: football crafts, colouring pages, match day bingo, flag games and orange activities.
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The Hague local guide
Running in The Hague and Scheveningen: weekly run clubs, social runs and local events
A practical guide to weekly run clubs, social runs, parkrun, beach runs and local running events in The Hague and Scheveningen.
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Dutch culture
A very Dutch cultural experience: watching the World Cup in orange
A practical guide for au pairs about Dutch World Cup customs, orange outfits, watching together and adding the Netherlands games to your calendar.
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Host families
How to welcome your au pair in the first week
A practical first-week checklist to help your au pair feel welcome, confident and clear about your family routines.
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Communication
House rules that feel kind, not cold
How to explain expectations around childcare, tidying, privacy, food, screen time and free time in a warm way.
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Kids activities
Free things to do with kids in The Hague
Simple, low-cost and free ideas for au pairs spending time with young children in and around The Hague.
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Templates
What to include in an au pair handbook
The essential sections every family handbook should include, from emergency contacts to daily routines.
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Family routines
Morning routines for young children
How visual routines can help toddlers, preschoolers and au pairs move through the morning with less stress.
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Au pairs
How au pairs can find friends in a new city
Gentle, practical ways for au pairs to build a local network while staying safe and supported.
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