Hosting Lisbet as an Au Pair has been a deeply rewarding experience for our family. Over time, she has become a true part of our home; joining in our routines, celebrations, travel, and everyday life. Below, we share some of the moments that have defined her time with us and the cultural exchange we’ve all grown from.
Becoming Part of Our Family Traditions
From the beginning, we made it a priority to include Lisbet in our family life. She regularly joins our extended family dinners and monthly gatherings in our home, where she has truly connected with everyone and especially bonded with our children through play and shared activities.
One of the highlights of her experience was celebrating the Fourth of July with us. We spent the day barbecuing, playing games, and enjoying a neighborhood fireworks show. It was meaningful to share the history and excitement of the holiday with her, and she embraced it fully.
Whether it’s meals, walks, games, or planned outings, Lisbet is included in our everyday rhythm. She has truly experienced what it means to be part of a busy, active American family.
Experiencing Everyday American Life
Lisbet quickly became part of our morning routine, helping our daughter get ready for school and to the bus. She also assists with light household tasks such as dishes, laundry, and keeping our daughter’s room organized.
Beyond chores, she shares in daily family activities—grocery shopping, walks to the park, hikes, and taking our daughter to gymnastics. She also enjoys spending time with our daughter through coloring, painting, trampoline play, and exploring local attractions.
We’ve loved watching her experience everyday “American life” in both simple routines and fun outings around our community, including places like Lagoon, the zoo, the aquarium, recreation centers, and Thanksgiving Point.
First-Time Experiences and Travel Adventures
Utah’s natural beauty has provided many unforgettable firsts for Lisbet. She was amazed by Bryce Canyon National Park and its unique rock formations. In the fall, we explored the canyons around Salt Lake City, where she experienced the vibrant colors of changing leaves for the first time.
She also experienced amusement parks like Lagoon—her first time riding roller coasters—and was equally fascinated by the lights and energy of Las Vegas. A major highlight was visiting Disneyland, where she experienced the “magic” of the park in a way that left a lasting impression.
Learning From Each Other’s Perspectives
Cultural exchange goes both ways, and Lisbet has introduced us to new places and ideas as well. Through her travels, she’s shared photos and experiences from cities like Chicago, New Jersey, and New York, as well as cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C.—something we had not experienced firsthand.
She also introduced us to hidden gems we hadn’t heard of before, including the Magic Rocks near Las Vegas, which became a memorable family outing.
Humor and Learning Moments
Like any new experience, there were a few lighthearted learning moments. One of the funniest was when Lisbet first started driving. She was extremely cautious, driving very slowly as she built confidence. Although she was honked at a few times, she handled it well, and we were able to laugh together. Over time, she became a much more confident and capable driver.
Navigating Cultural Differences in Daily Life
We’ve also learned to adjust to small cultural differences, especially around food preferences. While we often enjoy meals like salmon and onions, Lisbet prefers other flavors. This was an easy adjustment, and we make sure she always has foods she enjoys, such as chicken and pork.
Sharing and Celebrating Her Culture
One of the most enriching parts of this experience has been learning from Lisbet’s culture. She loves gathering people together, cooking, playing games, and celebrating life with music and laughter.
For her birthday, we celebrated in a way inspired by traditions she shared from Peru—complete with decorations, music, games, and special foods. It was a joyful reminder of how meaningful it is to blend cultural traditions and celebrate together.
Impact on Our Family and Our Daughter
Lisbet has had a particularly meaningful impact on our daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. She has patiently helped teach her Spanish words, which our daughter is now beginning to use at school—sometimes even naming colors in both English and Spanish.
She has also helped with something we’ve worked on for years: encouraging our daughter to chew food. Because she enjoys Lisbet’s Peruvian cooking so much, she is more willing to try and chew new foods, which has been a huge milestone for us.
We are incredibly grateful for the patience, care, and support she has shown in our home.
How This Experience Changed Us
Having an Au Pair has changed the way we see our own surroundings. Through Lisbet’s excitement and curiosity, we’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the places near us—national parks, lakes, cities, and attractions we might otherwise take for granted.
Traveling with her to places like Bear Lake, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Disneyland has been especially meaningful. Seeing these experiences through her eyes has made them feel fresh and new again for our entire family.
A Lasting Cultural Connection
Over time, Lisbet has become a true part of our family. She shares her culture through food, language, and traditions, and we have grown together through shared experiences, challenges, and celebrations.
What stands out most is how naturally she has fit into our home and how much love and connection has grown between us. This cultural exchange has not only enriched her time in the U.S., but has also deeply impacted our family in ways we will always value.
