Host Family — Expectations, House Rules, Communication & Weekly Routine
Living with a host family is the heart of the au pair and cultural exchange experience in China. This guide sets clear expectations for both sides—from daily routines and privacy to childcare, safety, and how to solve problems quickly and kindly.
Shared Goals (Why We’re Here)
- Safe, friendly home for the au pair; respectful role in family life.
- Reliable support with kids’ routines and light, kid-related tasks.
- Language & culture exchange that’s natural (mealtimes, games, weekends).
- Open communication—small chats often, not one big talk late.
Matching & Pre-Arrival Checklist
Family Shares
- Kid ages, routines, school locations, allergies.
- Photos of the au pair room/bath, nearby transport & markets.
- Typical weekly schedule + bedtime rules + screen-time policy.
Au Pair Shares
- Bio, childcare experience, language goals, allergies/diet.
- Sleep habits, noise sensitivity, religious/food considerations.
- Emergency contacts at home, medical info relevant to care.
Confirm arrival time, airport pickup plan, and where to get a SIM/eSIM on Day 1.
Scope of Duties (Do / Don’t)
Typical “Do” (Kid-Focused)
- Morning/evening routines: wake-up, wash-up, simple breakfast/snack.
- School runs (walk/metro/taxi) following the family’s route & rules.
- Playtime & homework help; read-aloud in your language/English.
- Kid laundry, tidying play area & kids’ dishes.
Usually “Don’t”
- Deep cleaning, heavy housework, gardening, family accounting.
- Medical tasks beyond first aid; driving without permission.
- Overnight solo care without agreement; new chores mid-stay without discussion.
Clear lists prevent friction. If duties change (e.g., school holiday), update the weekly plan together.
House Rules (Template)
Home & Privacy
- Quiet hours: e.g., 22:00–07:00. Headphones after bedtime.
- Guests: ask in advance; no overnight guests unless agreed.
- Shared spaces: clean as you go; label personal food.
- Bathroom & laundry schedules posted on the door.
Safety
- Kids never left alone at home or in water. Balcony/windows locked.
- Car seats/seat belts always; approved pickup list only.
- Medication out of reach; emergency list on fridge.
Meals, Allowance & Expenses
Meals
- Join family dinners when schedules align.
- Light cooking OK; note allergies & spice levels.
- Discuss food storage (fridge space, snacks for kids).
Allowance
- Pocket money cadence (e.g., weekly) and method (WeChat/Alipay/cash).
- Transit top-ups or activity budgets (if provided).
Reimbursements
- Keep simple receipts (transit, kid snacks, small supplies).
- Submit every Friday with quick notes.
Weekly Routine (Example)
- Mon–Fri — 07:00–09:00 morning routine & school drop; 16:30–19:30 pickup, homework, dinner help.
- Sat — cultural activity with family (museum/park) or language exchange café.
- Sun — day off; personal study, calls home, meet friends.
Post the schedule on the fridge. Update for holidays, exams, visitors, or travel.
Communication That Works
Daily
- WeChat “end-of-day” note: pickups done, homework, tomorrow reminders.
- Flag issues early (sleep, appetite, mood, school notes).
Weekly 15-Min Check-in (Template)
- Wins: 2 good moments with the kids.
- Challenges: 1 thing to tweak.
- Schedule changes next week.
- Supplies needed & reimbursements.
Safeguarding & Emergencies
Contacts & Protocols
- Emergency numbers: 110 police, 120 ambulance.
- Parents’ phones + neighbor/relative backup + school office.
- Allergies/meds + nearest clinic/hospital saved on maps.
When in Doubt
- Call parents first; if urgent, call emergency services.
- Incident note in WeChat: time, place, what happened, action taken.
Time Off, Trips & Visitors
- Days off posted monthly; swap requests at least 1 week ahead.
- Overnights/travel: share itinerary and emergency contacts.
- Family visitors: agree room/bathroom plan and quiet hours.
Conflict → Conversation (Fast Ladder)
- Pause (cool-off 1–2 hours).
- Talk using the weekly template; focus on one issue.
- Agree on a small change to test for 7 days.
- Escalate to coordinator if unresolved after 2 tries.
Day 1 Onboarding (Printable)
Home Tour
- Room, bathroom, laundry, kitchen zones.
- Wi-Fi, garbage/recycling, keys & door codes.
Kid Routine
- Pick-up points, verified guardians list, school portal.
- Allergy list, meds location, favorite snacks/games.
Useful Phrases (EN ↔ ZH)
- “What’s the plan for tomorrow’s pickup?”
明天接孩子的安排是怎样的？ - “Any foods to avoid for the kids?”
孩子有什么需要避免的食物吗？ - “Can we review the schedule on Sunday night?”
我们周日晚上一起过一下下周安排可以吗？
- “He/She seems tired today.”
他/她今天看起来有点累。 - “I’ll send a summary on WeChat tonight.”
我今晚在微信发个总结。 - “Is it okay to invite a friend for tea?”
我可以邀请一个朋友来喝茶吗？
FAQ — Host Family
Can I set boundaries?
Yes—privacy, guests, and time off should be agreed in writing and revisited as needed.
What if I don’t understand a rule?
Ask for an example; repeat it back to confirm. Post rules on the fridge in English/Chinese.
How do we balance language practice?
Pick times (e.g., breakfast English, dinner Mandarin) and switch weekly.
Build a Great Home Experience
Masons Au Pair provides matching support, house-rule templates, and weekly check-in scripts—so your host family life stays clear, warm, and genuinely cultural.
Join Our Au Pair Program