Summer is creeping up — and your childcare plan? Still a blank slate.
You’re not just juggling work and vacations. You’re bracing for the “I’m bored!” chorus, the camp pickup chaos, and the guilt of screen time creeping higher.
But what if summer felt easier?
Enter the Summer Au Pair: a live-in mentor, adventure buddy, and trusted teammate rolled into one. They’ll keep your kids engaged, your schedule flexible, and your sanity intact, all while fitting seamlessly into your family’s rhythm.
And here’s the kicker: It’s not too late to find your perfect match.
What is a Summer Au Pair?
Think of a summer Au Pair as cultural exchange meets childcare hack: a pre-screened young adult trained in childcare from a foreign country who lives with your family for 2–3 months, turning summer chaos into connection.
They’re filling the gaps while creating memories (and giving you back your peace of mind).
While many Au Pairs commit to a full year, the summer holiday Au Pair offers a short-term experience that’s ideal for school breaks.
How the Summer Au Pair Program Works:
- Live-in childcare for 2–3 months
- Up to 10 hours per day, 45 hours per week
- Arrival is typically in May or June, and departure is in August or September
- Supported by Go Au Pair through every step, from matching to Au Pair visa assistance to ongoing local support
This is childcare that adapts to your life, not the other way around.
Responsibilities of an Au Pair During the Summer
Your summer Au Pair’s #1 job? Transform “I’m bored” into “Let’s go!”
From sunrise to sunset, your Au Pair will:
- Drive to camps, swim lessons, and impromptu ice cream runs
- Plan crafts, scavenger hunts, and backyard “Olympics”
- Supervise pool days, beach trips, and rainy afternoon movie marathons
- Handle meals, bedtimes, and everything in between
All while keeping screens optional and curiosity mandatory.
Behind-the-Scenes Help (Child-Related Tasks)
These are the little things an Au Pair can help with that keep your kids’ summer flowing smoothly:
- Tidying playrooms and bedrooms
- Doing kids’ laundry
- Packing lunches or snacks for adventures
- Organizing bags for day trips
- Cleaning up after meals or activities
Household Chores? Let’s Be Clear.
A summer Au Pair is a childcare provider, not a housekeeper. If you’d like help beyond child-related tasks, discuss it early and be specific.
Examples of reasonable extra help might include:
- Loading the dishwasher after a family meal
- Running child-related errands
Clarity keeps everyone happy.
Benefits of hiring a short-term Au Pair for the summer
An Au Pair is more than just a babysitter. They’re a live-in child-rearing partner and an extra set of hands when things get hectic. Here are just a few ways an Au Pair can help enrich your children’s summer:
- Keep your kids on a reliable routine
- Create summer adventures without leaving home
- Make indoor time playful, not passive
- Get help with summer assignments and reading
- Enjoy built-in transportation to activities
- Develop cultural exchange without leaving the house
- Stay flexible, even during family vacations
The result? A summer where your kids come alive — trying new foods, mastering cartwheels, or chatting in an exotic language.
And you? You’ll finally enjoy summer your way: work deadlines met, vacations relaxed, and maybe even a few pages read in that book gathering dust.
6 Tips for a successful Au Pair experience
Ready to make this summer unforgettable for you and your family? We’ve put together a few simple tips to help you, the Host Family, and your new Au Pair make the most of summer break.
Host Family
- Create a “Summer Bucket List” Together: From water parks to new recipes — planning together builds excitement. Include the kids to get them excited, too!
- Have Weekly Check-Ins: Casual chats over ice cream? Yes, please. Communication makes it easy for everyone to be on the same page.
- Be Clear About Expectations: Clearly outline what is and isn’t expected so that everyone can work together to make this the best summer ever.
Au Pair
- Be Flexible and Curious: Embrace the adventure! No two Host Families are alike, and neither are any two Au Pairs’ experiences.
- Learn the Kids’ Favorites: Bond with the kids by speaking their language. From board games to bedtime stories, connection starts here.
Explore Local Culture: A great summer Au Pair experience means diving in! Say yes to new foods, local events, and spontaneous fun.
Next steps for planning an Au Pair summer arrival
Finding the perfect short-term Au Pair for the summer doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, especially with Go Au Pair handling the heavy lifting.
Here’s exactly how it works — and why each step matters:
1. Complete Your Host Family Profile
This is how we get to know your family, childcare needs, and summer schedule — so we can recommend the right matches from the start.
2. Connect with Your Placement Coordinator
You’ll have a dedicated expert guiding you through every detail — from must-have skills to summer travel considerations.
3. Search & Favorite Candidates
Our search tools let you filter by language, childcare experience, driving ability, and more, helping you quickly build a list of potential Au Pairs for the summer.
4. Interview Virtually (At Least Twice)
These conversations help you assess personality, expectations, and connection. Many host families even let their kids ask a few fun questions!
Bonus: Go Au Pair screens every Au Pair before they ever reach you, with background checks, verified references, and childcare experience requirements already complete.
5. Compare & Take Notes
Our online dashboard makes it easy to stay organized so you can compare candidates side-by-side and track important details like availability or required skills.
6. Make an Offer
Found your perfect summer Au Pair? Move quickly — summer candidates go fast!
7. Relax — Go Au Pair Handles the Rest
From Au Pair visa paperwork and embassy appointments to travel arrangements and pre-arrival training, Go Au Pair handles the logistics so you don’t have to.
Pro Tip: Looking for longer coverage? Consider an in-country Au Pair extending for 6–12 months — perfect if you want summer help that lasts into the school year.
Finding the Perfect Summer Au Pair Starts Now
Your kids deserve a summer of belly laughs, new friendships, and “Guess what we did today!” stories. You deserve a season where childcare feels effortless, not like another item on your to-do list. Spots fill fast. Find your Summer Au Pair today, before summer slips away.
