Hosting an Au Pair offers families a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and flexible childcare. But many families quickly discover that Au Pairs come with strict limitations, especially when it comes to household tasks and long-term consistency. This guide explains exactly what Au Pairs can and can’t do, and how you can fill in the gaps with professional support from Town + Country Resources.
What Au Pairs SHOULD Do
According to U.S. Department of State regulations, Au Pairs may only perform child-related tasks that directly support the children they care for.
Permitted duties typically include:
- Preparing simple meals for children
- Tidying up play areas and children’s bedrooms
- Doing children’s laundry
- Helping with homework or school routines
- Driving children to and from school or activities (if licensed and approved)
These responsibilities are intended to support a child’s day-to-day routine, not general household operations.
What Au Pairs Cannot Do
There are clear boundaries around what Au Pairs are not allowed to do, especially when it comes to cleaning, errands, and supporting other members of the household.
Here’s a list of tasks Au Pairs should not be assigned:
- Deep or daily cleaning (bathrooms, kitchens, mopping, etc.)
- Cleaning adult bedrooms or shared family living areas
- Laundry, ironing, or wardrobe care for adults
- Changing sheets or making beds
- Grocery shopping or running errands
- Managing trash or recycling
- Sweeping patios or maintaining outdoor areas
- Walking, feeding, or cleaning up after pets
If your household requires help with these tasks, it’s best to hire a Housekeeper or Family Assistant to fill in those essential gaps.
My Au Pair Placement Ended Unexpectedly. What Now?
Unfortunately, Au Pair placements can sometimes end without warning due to personality mismatches, cultural adjustment issues, or logistical problems.
Because agencies often have a limited pool of replacement candidates, it may take weeks or months to match with another Au Pair, leaving families scrambling for backup childcare.
That’s why Town + Country Resources offers temporary Nanny and Family Assistant services to provide immediate coverage. Whether you need someone for a few days, a few weeks, or last-minute care, we’re here to support you during transitions.
Hosting an Au Pair Isn’t the Right Fit. What Are My Options?
The Au Pair program is a cultural exchange, not a professional childcare solution. While some families thrive with this arrangement, others find the limitations too challenging—especially when juggling work, school, and household responsibilities.
Common challenges include:
- Driving concerns and lack of experience
- Limited childcare background
- Homesickness or cultural mismatch
- Gaps in consistency and commitment
If you’re looking for more structured, long-term support, hiring a local Nanny or Family Assistant may be a better fit. Our thorough screening and vetting process helps match your family with professionals who are experienced, reliable, and committed to staying long-term.
How Town + Country Resources Can Help
At T+C, we understand the gaps families often face when hosting an Au Pair, and we’re here to fill them. We offer access to:
- Professional Housekeepers for weekly or daily home maintenance
- Experienced Nannies for full-time or part-time care
- Family Assistants who can combine childcare with household management
- Backup and emergency care when plans change unexpectedly
All of our candidates are thoroughly vetted and matched to your family’s unique needs.
Connect with a Placement Counselor today to explore your options and find the right support, whether you’re supplementing your current Au Pair arrangement or seeking a better long-term solution. We are here to help you understand what au pairs can and can’t do.
