1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Child Care

What Is An Au Pair?

By Robin McClure, About.com

Question: What Is An Au Pair?

Answer: The word "au pair" is a French term, which means "on par" or "equal to," denoting living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship between the host family and the children. An au pair will typically be a young woman and sometimes a young man from a foreign country who chooses to help look after the children of a host family and provide light housekeeping. The au pair is given room and board and is typically paid a weekly "pocket-money" salary. Au pairs generally stay with their host family for one year.

More Child Care Q&A
Explore Child Care
About.com Special Features

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

Reclaim the morning and your sanity with these easy recipes, tips, and timesaving ideas. More >

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Child Care
  4. In-Home Child Care
  5. The Role of the Provider
  6. Define Au Pair

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.