12 Au Pair Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

An au pair is a live-in childcare provider who is typically from another country. Au pairs typically live with a host family and provide childcare for the family’s children in exchange for room, board, and a small stipend. Au pairs typically have a college degree or equivalent and are between the ages of 18 and 26.

Patience

Patience is the ability to remain calm and level-headed in difficult or challenging situations. As an au pair, you will often be working with children, who can be unpredictable and challenging at times. Patience is essential in order to be able to effectively manage these situations.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas and solve problems in innovative ways. As an au pair, you will need to be creative in order to come up with activities for the children you are caring for, and to find ways to entertain them when they are bored. You will also need to be creative when it comes to dealing with difficult situations, such as tantrums or arguments between siblings.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt and change in response to new situations. As an au pair, you will need to be flexible in order to be able to respond to the needs of your host family and their children. You may need to change your schedule or plans at short notice, and you will need to be able to deal with unexpected situations.

Active listening

Active listening is a skill that allows you to fully engage with another person and understand what they are saying. It is important for Au Pairs because it allows them to build strong relationships with the children they are caring for, and also to better understand the needs of the family.

Cultural awareness

Cultural awareness is the ability to understand and appreciate the differences between cultures. It is important for au pairs to have this skill because they will be living in a new country and will be interacting with people from different cultures on a daily basis. Au pairs need to be able to understand and respect the customs and traditions of their host family and community, and they should also be able to share their own culture with others.

Good communication

Good communication is a skill that is necessary for an au pair because they need to be able to communicate effectively with the children they are caring for, as well as their parents or guardians. They need to be able to understand what the children are saying and be able to explain things clearly to them. Additionally, good communication skills are important in order to build positive relationships with the families they are working with.

Problem solving

Problem solving is a skill that is useful in many different situations. It can help you figure out what to do when you are faced with a difficult situation, and it can also help you find ways to improve your current situation.

Organizational

Organizational skills are important for an Au Pair because they will need to be able to keep track of the children's schedules, activities, and belongings. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with the parents in order to coordinate pick-ups, drop-offs, and other logistics.

Time management

Time management is the ability to use your time efficiently and effectively. It is important because it can help you get more done in less time, and can also help you reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping is the process of keeping a home clean and organized. It is important to have good housekeeping skills in order to maintain a tidy and comfortable home.

Childcare

Childcare is the process of providing care and supervision for children. This can include activities such as feeding, bathing, and supervising playtime. It is important for au pairs to have childcare experience because they will be responsible for caring for children while their parents are away.

Cooking

Cooking is an important skill for an au pair because it allows them to prepare meals for the children in their care. It is also a good way to save money on food costs.

How to improve au pair skills

An au pair is a live-in childcare provider who typically comes from another country to work for a host family. As an au pair, you will be responsible for caring for the children in your host family, as well as performing other household tasks. While being an au pair can be a rewarding experience, it can also be challenging. Here are some tips on how to improve your au pair skills:

1. Be patient. One of the most important qualities of a good au pair is patience. Children can be frustrating at times and it’s important to be able to keep your cool.

2. Be flexible. As an au pair, you will need to be flexible in your schedule and duties. The family you work for may have last-minute changes or requests that you need to be able to accommodate.

3. Be organized. Another important quality for au pairs is organization. You will need to keep track of the children’s schedules, as well as your own chores and tasks. Being organized will help you stay on top of everything and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

4. Be proactive. A good au pair is always one step ahead. If you can anticipate the needs of the children or the family, it will make your job much easier.

5. Be assertive. When it comes to dealing with children, it’s important to be assertive (but not too forceful). You need to set boundaries and be firm when necessary, but also know when to give in or let things go.

6. Be resourceful. There will be times when you need to get creative in order to entertain the children or solve a problem. Au pairs who are resourceful and able to think on their feet are always in high demand!

7. Be cultural sensitive . As an au pair, you will be working in a foreign country and living with a family from another culture . It’s important to be respectful of their customs and traditions . try not to impose your own values on them . For example , if you are from a country where it is common practice to hug everyone , don ’ t assume that this is also acceptable in your host country . Likewise , don ’ t expect that your host family will adopt all of your customs as their own . Learning about and respecting different cultures is an essential skill for any successful au pair .

8 . Communicate effectively . Good communication is key in any relationship , but it ’ s especially important when working with children . Make sure that you understand what the children want or need , and that they understand what you are saying to them . If there are language barriers , don ’ t hesitate to ask for help from someone who can translate . And always remember that non - verbal communication ( body language , facial expressions , etc .) can be just as important as words .

How to highlight au pair skills

As an Au Pair, you will be responsible for taking care of children and performing household tasks. To be a successful Au Pair, you will need to be patient, reliable, and have a genuine interest in working with children. You should also be able to work independently and be comfortable with a flexible schedule.

On a resume

To highlight your skills as an Au Pair on a resume, you should list your experience working with children, as well as any relevant education or training you have. You should also highlight any special skills or abilities you have that would make you a good Au Pair, such as fluency in another language or experience with special needs children.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, you should highlight your skills as an Au Pair. You should mention your experience taking care of children, as well as any relevant qualifications or training you have. You should also highlight your ability to speak a foreign language, as this can be a valuable asset for an Au Pair. Finally, you should mention any other relevant skills or experience you have, such as cooking or first aid.

During an interview

You should highlight your skills as an Au Pair during your interview by discussing your experience with children, your ability to care for them, and your willingness to help out around the house. You should also be sure to mention any special skills or training you have that could be useful, such as CPR certification or experience with special needs children. Finally, be sure to emphasize your flexibility and adaptability, as these are key qualities for successful Au Pairs.