I’m Laura, almost 19 years old, and I’ve been an au pair in the U.S. since January 2021. I live in Stamford, Connecticut, with my host family in a beautiful house that has a big garden and a pool. My host parents, my host sister (12), my host brother (9), and our two dogs have really become a second family to me. A lot has happened over the past six months — both good and challenging — and I feel so at home here that I’m thinking about extending my stay by another six months.
🌱 Starting out
At first, it was hard to connect with my host boy. On my very first day, he didn’t even say hello. Luckily, I had two weeks of overlap with the previous au pair, which helped a lot. She was able to show me the ropes and answer all my questions. The boy had been very close to her and found it hard to adjust. He didn’t want to play with me the same way and said I just wasn’t “as good.” Things only began to improve once I was alone with the children.
Laura traveled to the US during the Corona pandemic (c) AuPairCare
🦠 Quarantine connection
Just one month in, we all got Covid and had to quarantine together for several weeks. It was intense, but we spent so much time together that it really helped me bond with the kids.
It’s important to spend as much time with the children as possible in the beginning. It’s also totally normal if they need a bit of time to warm up to someone new. Challenges do come up, but most are easier to handle than you’d expect — often, they’re just small misunderstandings due to language. That’s why good communication with the kids and parents is so important.
🏖️ Family moments
Some of the best parts of being an au pair are the special times with your host family. Not long after we recovered, we went on a family trip to Florida. I was working, but it still felt like a real break and a chance to make great memories together. We also had a big family celebration for Easter, which helped me feel less homesick. I’ve even introduced a few American traditions to my host family — that’s a really special feeling.
💕 Connection with the kids
When the kids show they care, it means everything. Whether it’s a hug, a heart-to-heart conversation with my host daughter, or my host son telling me he loves me — those are the moments that really stay with me. When he said that, I told my family back home right away. I was so touched, I almost cried.
Laura and her host kids during a family trip to Florida (c) AuPairCare
🌟 Looking back
Every au pair will probably tell you there are ups and downs, and sometimes you just have to get through the tough moments. But every bit of it is worth it. In just six months, I’ve grown so much and feel really confident in where I’m at right now. I’d make the same choice again without hesitation.
Of course I miss my family and friends back home, especially on the harder days. But thanks to FaceTime and social media, they never feel too far away.
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