When you have a need for full-time childcare and a desire for cultural exchange, hiring an Au Pair is an ideal solution. But if you’re like most parents, you aren’t completely clear on what life as a Host Family looks like. For example, do Au Pairs work weekends?
Like anyone else, Au Pairs need rest, structure, and time off. That’s why weekend childcare should always be a clear, respectful conversation, not an assumption.
Having an Au Pair available on the weekend can make life easier, but it’s important to map out those needs early on. Weekend work is possible, but it needs to fall within the agreed-upon schedule and legal limits. In this post, we’re sharing everything you need to know regarding weekend child care: how many hours an Au Pair can work, what fairness looks like, how most families approach weekend coverage, and how to set boundaries that work for both sides. If you hope to include Saturday childcare in your setup, keep reading to clarify these basics.
Au Pair Hours Limitations: What Host Families Should Know
Weekend help can definitely be part of an Au Pair’s schedule, but it has to follow the program rules. In the U.S., Au Pairs can work up to 45 hours per week, with a maximum of 10 hours on any given day. Au Pairs also must have 1.5 days off per week and at least 1 full weekend off per month. These hours include all childcare-related tasks, from school drop-off and pick-up to playtime, meals, and bedtime. It doesn’t matter when the care happens; if it’s work, it counts toward those limits.
This means that if your Au Pair already works full weekdays, covering Saturdays and Sundays won’t be possible unless you adjust the rest of the schedule. Some families structure their weeks with shorter weekday hours to leave room for weekend help. That way, there’s flexibility for childcare for Saturdays, Sunday morning activities, or the occasional overnight trip.
It’s also worth noting that hours can’t be “banked” or shifted across weeks. So if your Au Pair only worked 25 hours one week, that doesn’t mean they can work 60 the next. Every week stands alone, and the limits stay the same.
Can Au Pairs Cover Weekend Getaways?
Many families also wonder if their Au Pair can help during a full weekend trip or family vacation, especially when travel plans involve young kids. While an Au Pair can absolutely join for a weekend away, their working hours still need to follow the same rules: no more than 10 hours in a day, and no more than 45 hours in a week.
If your plans require more hands-on help than that, like early mornings and late nights, you’ll need to bring in additional support to cover the extra time. Even offering to pay your Au Pair “extra” doesn’t change the program limits. The 10-hour daily cap isn’t flexible, even during travel.
And while having an Au Pair join you on a family trip can be a big help, it’s important to remember that they’re still entitled to downtime. Just because the location changes doesn’t mean their free time goes away. A getaway or vacation can work well for everyone, as long as expectations are clear and the schedule stays within the guidelines.
Best Practices for Au Pair Weekend Scheduling
Weekends are downtime for most people, including Au Pairs. Even if they’re helping out on Saturday or Sunday or joining you on a weekend trip, they still need time to rest, reset, and enjoy their personal lives. When weekend help is part of the plan, a little structure and thoughtfulness will help everyone be on the same page.
1. Schedule in Advance
A shared monthly calendar with scheduled weekends on and off gives your Au Pair the chance to make personal plans without last-minute stress.
If you need weekend childcare, give as much notice as possible, and be mindful of holidays. If your Au Pair celebrates cultural or religious holidays that fall on a weekend, schedule around them when you can.
Bringing your Au Pair on a family vacation? Share travel dates a few months ahead so they can prepare accordingly. And even on travel weekends, avoid stacking early mornings and late nights back-to-back to let your Au Pair rest and decompress. For unexpected plans or last-minute events, consider hiring a local babysitter if your Au Pair is scheduled to be off.
2. Set Clear Expectations
If your weekends regularly involve events, outings, or times when you’ll need childcare, it’s important to be upfront about that during the interview process. Sharing this early helps you find an Au Pair who’s comfortable with that rhythm and avoids mismatched expectations later on. Some Au Pairs may prefer to keep weekends completely free, while others might be open to occasional or even regular weekend hours as long as it’s part of the original agreement.
Once your Au Pair arrives, take the time to go over what weekend support actually involves. Don’t assume they’ll know what you mean by “help with bedtime” or “cover Saturday morning.” Be specific. If you’re heading out for a few hours and want them to handle dinner and bedtime, list out what that includes, like serving a prepped meal, helping with teeth brushing, reading a book, and keeping an eye on the monitor. This makes it easier for your Au Pair to feel confident in the role and for both of you to stay aligned with official Au Pair duties.
3. Show Your Appreciation
While host families aren’t expected to offer additional pay for weekend hours, small gestures of appreciation can make a big difference. Weekend work often cuts into personal time, so acknowledging that effort goes a long way.
Thoughtful ways you can show your appreciation include a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, tickets to a concert or museum they’ve been wanting to visit, or even a handwritten note. If they’ve been especially helpful during a busy stretch, a surprise day off, or planning a cultural activity they’d enjoy can also show genuine care.
Experience the Benefits of Au Pair Childcare
Au Pairs bring something unique to the table that regular babysitters can’t: consistent, live-in care from someone who gets to know your children, your household rhythms, and your family’s values. Over time, this creates a natural bond where your Au Pair becomes a trusted figure your kids look up to, lean on, and genuinely enjoy being around. Unlike other childcare options that can shift with seasons or school breaks, childcare costs with an Au Pair stay consistent, giving families peace of mind when it comes to planning and budgeting.
Ready to explore this kind of care? Find your Au Pair for free through Go Au Pair’s trusted directory. Take your time, explore profiles, and connect with someone who feels like the right match for your family’s lifestyle. Get started today.
