Questions Au Pairs Should Ask Host Families Before Matching
A first call is your chance to understand what daily life with a host family may actually feel like — and whether your values match. These questions help au pairs ask about children, routines, privacy, tasks and communication in a calm and practical way.
Why au pairs should prepare questions
A friendly family can still have routines or expectations that may not fit you. Asking practical questions helps you understand the children, the home, the role and the kind of support you can expect during the first weeks.
The children
- What are the children’s personalities like?
- What do they enjoy doing after school or on weekends?
- What helps when they are tired, upset or overwhelmed?
- Are there allergies, sensitivities or routines I should understand?
The daily role
- What would a normal weekday look like?
- Which tasks happen every day, and which only happen sometimes?
- Would I need to cook, cycle, swim, drive or use public transport with the children?
- What should I do if I am unsure about something during the day?
Living in the home
- What is my room like, and which spaces are shared?
- Do you usually eat dinner together or separately?
- How much family time do you usually expect?
- How do you make sure the au pair also has privacy and time to rest?
Communication and support
- How do you usually give feedback?
- Would we have a weekly check-in during the first weeks?
- Who should I go to with questions during the day?
- What would make you feel that the arrangement is working well?
Values and family style
- What values are most important in your home?
- How do you usually talk to children when something goes wrong?
- How much independence do you expect from an au pair?
- What does respect, reliability and flexibility mean to your family?
- How do you handle misunderstandings or small conflicts at home?
Free Au Pair Interview Checklist
Use the printable checklist before your first video call. It helps you prepare useful questions and remember what to check before deciding whether to continue.
Open the free checklist →Also useful
Au Pair Matching Guide
Browse all matching preparation resources in one place, from profiles and video calls to questions, red flags and the starter pack.
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Au pair interview questions for host families
Prepare helpful questions from the host family side too.
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How to prepare for your first au pair video call
Use the first call to understand routines, values and expectations.
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