Every au pair journey has a beginning—and eventually, an end. Whether the stay lasted a few months or a full year, saying goodbye can be an emotional and meaningful moment for both the au pair and the host family. After living together, sharing daily life, and building a close relationship, parting ways can be bittersweet.
But with a little preparation, reflection, and care, you can end the au pair stay on a positive note—celebrating the time you spent together and preserving the connection for years to come.
1. Start Talking About the Goodbye in Advance
Don’t wait until the last day to acknowledge that the au pair’s stay is coming to an end. Start the conversation a few weeks before the departure, so everyone has time to process the upcoming change and plan accordingly.
What you can do:
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Discuss final plans and remaining goals
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Reflect on the experience—what went well, what was learned
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Offer support with the next steps (travel, future plans, job search)
Preparing emotionally in advance makes the goodbye less sudden and more meaningful.
2. Plan a Farewell Celebration
A small goodbye party, dinner, or family outing is a wonderful way to honor the time spent together. This doesn’t have to be extravagant—it’s about making memories and showing appreciation.
Ideas include:
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A themed dinner with foods from the au pair’s home country
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A photo slideshow of shared moments
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Handmade cards from the children
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A symbolic gift or keepsake
These moments help children (and adults) process the transition with love and positivity.
3. Talk to the Children About What’s Happening
Children may have a hard time understanding why their au pair is leaving, especially if they’ve formed a strong bond. It’s important to:
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Explain the situation in a calm, age-appropriate way
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Emphasize that saying goodbye is normal, and the au pair isn’t “disappearing”
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Encourage them to express their feelings through talking, drawing, or writing
Reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad—and that it’s also okay to be excited about what’s next.
4. Exchange Contact Information and Future Plans
One of the best things about the au pair program is that it often leads to lifelong international friendships. Even if you’re in different countries, it’s easy to stay in touch.
Make sure to:
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Connect on WhatsApp, email, or social media
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Schedule a video call a few weeks after the departure
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Consider visiting each other in the future (if possible)
Keeping in touch helps ease the transition and keeps the relationship alive.
5. Share Honest Feedback and Gratitude
Before the goodbye, take the time to share final thoughts. Let your au pair know how much their presence meant to your family. Au pairs can also share what they appreciated about the experience.
Ideas:
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Write a recommendation or reference letter
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Share personal stories or funny memories
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Acknowledge the challenges and growth along the way
Gratitude brings closure and sets the tone for a positive farewell.
6. Create a Memory Book or Goodbye Gift
A memory book, photo album, or even a simple notebook filled with drawings and notes from the children can become a cherished keepsake. Families can also give a small, meaningful gift—something symbolic of their time together.
Examples:
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A framed family photo
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A local souvenir
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A bracelet, book, or small piece of jewelry
Personal gifts show that the experience mattered.
7. Leave the Door Open
Whether or not you plan to host another au pair, let your current au pair know they will always be welcome in your home.
Even if life takes you in different directions, a simple message like “You’ll always be part of our family” can mean the world.
Final Thoughts: Goodbyes Can Be Beautiful
Saying goodbye is never easy—but it can be beautiful. It’s a chance to reflect on how much you’ve all grown, how many memories were made, and how much was learned. Ending the au pair stay on a positive note means focusing on connection, appreciation, and the promise of continued friendship—no matter the distance.
Because in the end, the bond between an au pair and a host family doesn’t have to end with a plane ticket. Sometimes, it’s just the beginning of something even more meaningful.
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