When we welcomed Aixa into our home as our au pair, we hoped for a meaningful cultural exchange and extra support for our family. What we didn’t expect was just how deeply she would become woven into our lives. Over the past year, we’ve shared traditions, discovered new perspectives, and created memories that will stay with us forever.
From holiday celebrations to ordinary errands, every experience together has strengthened our connection and reminded us of the beauty of cultural exchange.
Sharing American Traditions Through New Eyes
One of the greatest joys of hosting Aixa has been introducing her to American traditions and holidays. She embraced every experience with excitement and curiosity, making familiar moments feel new again for our family.
Halloween quickly became a favorite. Our family chose a Jurassic Park-themed costume idea, and Aixa enthusiastically joined in by dressing as a dinosaur alongside our dinosaur-loving toddler. Watching her laugh with neighbors, admire decorated homes, and experience trick-or-treating for the first time made the evening incredibly special.
Another unforgettable adventure was taking her to her first Renaissance Faire. We surprised her with a medieval-style costume so she could fully participate in the experience. Together, we explored the fairgrounds, watched sword-juggling performances, and cheered during a live jousting match while holding our toddler on our laps. Seeing her fully immerse herself in the experience reminded us how joyful it is to share traditions with someone discovering them for the first time.
Experiencing Everyday American Life
Beyond holidays and big outings, Aixa truly became part of the rhythm of our everyday life.
She joined us on weekly errands and quickly became familiar with American grocery shopping culture. From browsing the aisles at Trader Joe’s to marveling at the massive selection at Costco and picking out fresh produce at our local farmer’s market, these simple routines became moments we genuinely looked forward to sharing together.
What may seem ordinary to us became meaningful through her perspective. These everyday experiences gave her an authentic glimpse into life in our community while helping us appreciate the little routines that make up family life.
A Magical First Trip to Disney World
One of Aixa’s biggest American “firsts” happened almost immediately after she arrived. We invited her on a family vacation to Disney World in Orlando—a destination she had dreamed about since childhood after seeing it in movies and on social media.
What made the trip especially emotional for us was that it was also our son’s very first visit to Disney. Watching the two of them experience the magic together as new friends was incredibly touching. Seeing her awe and excitement throughout the trip reminded us exactly why we wanted to host an au pair: to create meaningful memories together and truly welcome someone into our family.
Rediscovering Our Own Community
Interestingly, Aixa also introduced us to experiences we might otherwise have overlooked ourselves.
One example was a local Fourth of July parade in a neighboring town. Normally, we would have skipped it and kept the holiday simple with a backyard barbecue, but her enthusiasm convinced us to go. To our surprise, it turned into one of our favorite memories of the summer. Our toddler waved a tiny American flag while marching bands, horses, and homemade floats passed by.
Experiencing the parade through Aixa’s excitement made it feel brand new to us, almost as though we were rediscovering our own hometown.
Funny Cultural Learning Moments
Of course, cultural exchange also comes with funny misunderstandings and learning opportunities.
During her very first week with us, Aixa quietly asked if there was a specific time she was allowed to use the washing machine or take a shower. At first, we were confused, but she explained that in some areas of Peru, water use can be more limited and carefully managed.
When we assured her she could use water freely, she visibly relaxed and joked, “Oh good, I thought I might break something on my first day!”
We all laughed, and it became one of those memorable moments that perfectly captured the beauty of learning from one another.
Adjusting to Cultural Differences
One of the biggest adjustments for Aixa was adapting to American meal schedules. In Peru, lunch and dinner are often eaten much later than they are in our home.
Rather than forcing immediate change, we encouraged her to join us at family meals while also giving her flexibility to eat later if she preferred. That small adjustment helped her feel comfortable while still honoring routines from home.
The experience reminded us how important it is to approach cultural differences with patience, flexibility, and understanding.
Learning From Peruvian Family Culture
One of the most meaningful things Aixa has shared with us is the importance of close family connection in Peruvian culture.
As parents of two young boys, including a toddler adjusting to life with a new baby, we found comfort in conversations with Aixa and even her family back home. She shared that in Peru, it is very common for young children to co-sleep or stay physically close to their parents for comfort and emotional security.
Hearing this perspective helped us let go of pressure to follow rigid parenting expectations and instead focus on what felt nurturing and supportive for our children. In many ways, Aixa helped us embrace a gentler, more emotionally connected approach to parenting.
What Aixa Will Take Home From America
Aixa has shared that one of the most impactful lessons she’ll bring back to Peru is the value of organization and routine. She appreciated seeing how a flexible but structured schedule helped our household run smoothly and plans to continue using tools like whiteboards and planners in her own life.
She has also laughed about how different American food culture turned out to be from what she expected. Before arriving, she imagined the United States as “the land of fast food,” but discovering home-cooked meals, fresh ingredients, and diverse grocery stores completely changed her perspective.
More than anything, her time here has helped her become more confident, independent, and open-minded about the future she wants to create for herself.
Seeing America Through Fresh Eyes
One of the greatest gifts of hosting an au pair has been seeing our own lives through someone else’s perspective.
One evening while walking through our local outdoor shopping center, Aixa commented that the twinkling lights around the trees looked like something from a movie. It stopped us in our tracks. What we had always considered ordinary suddenly felt beautiful again.
Moments like that have taught us to slow down, appreciate our surroundings, and recognize the beauty in everyday life.
More Than an Au Pair — Part of Our Family
Over time, Aixa has become far more than someone helping care for our children. She has become a trusted parenting partner, a cultural teacher, and a deeply loved member of our family.
Every conversation comparing life in Peru and the United States has brought us closer together and broadened our understanding of the world. Her warmth, wisdom, and perspective have made our family stronger in ways we never expected.
Hosting Aixa has reminded us that cultural exchange is about much more than travel or childcare. It’s about connection, understanding, and creating a home where people from different backgrounds can learn from and uplift one another.
