Changing host families or au pairs

(Also to be found with keywords Changing au pairs, Changing families, New au pair and New host family)

Sometimes, changing au pairs or families can be the best final decision if something is not working with the current one. Here is some basic information for handling these situations.

Why changing families or au pairs?

Sometimes an au pair will decide to end their stay with their host family and transfer to a new family's home. Au pairs usually change host families when they wish to stay in their host country for a little longer and their stay at their present host family's home is due to end. However, au pairs sometimes change families for more problematic reasons: for example, if they find they don't get on with their host family due to irreconcilable differences or other posible au pair conflicts.

How to change families or au pairs?

If the au pair stay is going to be terminated early, the other party should be informed as soon as possible. Both parties should adhere to the notice period outlined in the au pair contract. The notice period is usually two weeks. 

Au pairs and host families should try to organise their next steps together. This means that the family helps their au pair find a new family and vice versa. If the au pair has entered the host country on a visa, the relevant authorities need to be contacted to ensure that the au pair can stay legally in the host country.

More information on this topic:

Changing au pairs - what now?
How do I change host families?

How can you avoid changing families or au pairs in the first place

  • Talking really helps! Many problems and misunderstandings can be avoided if host families and au pairs talk things over right from the start.
  • Help each other! If a change of au pairs or families is necessary, both parties should help each other find a new au pair and host family.