Host families
How to welcome your au pair in the first week
The first week sets the tone for your au pair’s stay. A calm welcome, clear routines and repeated explanations can help your au pair feel safe, confident and part of the family.
Keep the first day light
Your au pair may be tired from travelling and full of new impressions. Show the bedroom, bathroom, Wi-Fi, keys and the most important house basics, but do not try to explain everything at once.
Show routines in real life
Instead of only explaining the morning routine, do it together. Show how breakfast works, where school bags are kept, how you leave for school or daycare and what the children need help with.
Explain safety clearly
Emergency numbers, allergies, medication, door rules, bike safety and playground rules should be explained early. It helps to write these things down so your au pair does not need to remember everything from one conversation.
Plan a first-week check-in
At the end of the first week, ask what feels clear and what still feels confusing. Review working hours, free time, routines, food, privacy and household expectations calmly.
Related template
Use this template to make the topic practical for your own family.
Open First Week Checklist template →