Typical Day as an Au Pair

One of the great things about being an au pair is the variety it offers. Each of our host families is unique—with different schedules, hobbies and interests—and no au pair experience is exactly the same. Through our matching process, InterExchange Au Pair USA helps ensure that you fit in with your host family and that you understand their particular needs before you arrive at the home.

Although schedules and certain responsibilities will vary depending on your host family, you can expect to spend much of your “on-duty” days caring for the family’s children. When you arrive, your host family will provide you with a schedule outlining the specific hours you’ll be working.

A Typical Schedule

To give you an idea of what a typical day and week might look like, take a look at one au pair’s schedule. Maria is an au pair taking care of a 1-year-old boy, Ryan, and an 8-year-old girl, Britney. Both of Maria’s host parents, Amy and Don, work outside of the home from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Here’s an example of a daily schedule for Maria:

Sample Daily Schedule

8:00 a.m.

Prepare breakfast for Ryan and Britney

8:20 a.m.

Get Britney ready for school

8:45 a.m.

Take Britney to the bus stop

10:00 a.m.

Play date with Ryan at neighbor's home

12:00 p.m.

Eat lunch with Ryan

2:00 p.m.

Put Ryan down for a nap

3:30 p.m.

Pick Britney up from bus stop

4:00 p.m.

Make Britney a snack, help her with her homework

5:15 p.m.

Host parents both arrive home

6:00 p.m.

Dinner with the family

7:30 p.m.

Meet with friends at coffee shop