How to Prepare for Your First Au Pair Video Call
A first video call is where profiles become real. It is the moment to understand daily life, expectations, communication and whether the values of the host family and au pair feel aligned.
What the first call should help you understand
The goal is not to make the conversation perfect. The goal is to make it useful. Both sides should leave the call with a clearer feeling for the children, the home, the role, the daily rhythm and the way people communicate when something is unclear.
Start with daily life
The first call should make daily life easier to imagine. Talk about mornings, school runs, meals, children’s activities, quiet time, evenings and weekends. Specific examples are more helpful than general promises.
- What does a normal weekday look like?
- Which moments of the day usually need the most help?
- What would a calm and successful day look like?
Talk about the children
The children are at the centre of the match. It helps to talk honestly about their personalities, what they enjoy, what they find difficult and what kind of support works best for them.
- What are the children like when they are tired or upset?
- What do they enjoy doing after school or on weekends?
- Which routines help them feel safe and calm?
Check expectations clearly
Many misunderstandings start when tasks are described too vaguely. Use the video call to talk about what is expected, what is not expected and what should be discussed later if something changes.
- Which tasks happen daily, weekly or only sometimes?
- Which tasks are not part of the role?
- What should either side do if something feels unclear?
Discuss values match
A good match is not only about availability or experience. Values matter too. Parenting style, communication, privacy, reliability, flexibility and how both sides handle conflict can make daily life feel either natural or difficult.
- What values are most important in daily family life?
- How do you communicate when something feels unclear?
- What does respect, reliability and flexibility mean to both sides?
- How much independence, privacy and family involvement feels right?
Agree on the next step
A first call does not have to end with a final decision. It is often better to write down questions, think about the conversation and agree on a clear next step.
- What still feels unclear after this call?
- Would a second conversation be useful?
- What information should be shared before deciding?
First Video Call Notes Template
Use the printable notes template during or after the first call. It helps both sides capture practical details, values match, questions and next steps.
Open the notes template →Also useful
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