Au Pair Wanted in Stockholm – Join Our Warm Asian-Swedish Family
About Our Family and This Opportunity
We are a warm, welcoming, and multicultural Asian-Swedish family residing in the beautiful city of Stockholm, Sweden. Our household is filled with love, laughter, and the joyful energy of our two wonderful boys. Our older son is a curious and playful four-year-old who loves exploring the world around him, asking endless questions, and engaging in imaginative play. Our younger son is a cheerful one-year-old who is just beginning to discover his personality, taking his first steps, and bringing smiles to everyone he meets. As parents, we are deeply committed to providing a nurturing, supportive, and enriching environment for our children, and we are looking for a caring, dependable, and energetic au pair to become an integral part of our family and help us in this journey.
Stockholm is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world, known for its stunning archipelago, rich history, vibrant culture, and high quality of life. The city offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, with clean streets, excellent public transportation, safe neighborhoods, and countless opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. Living in Stockholm means experiencing the unique Swedish lifestyle, characterized by a strong emphasis on work-life balance, respect for nature, and a commitment to equality and social welfare. As an au pair in our family, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Swedish culture, learn the Swedish language, explore this magnificent city, and create lasting memories while gaining valuable experience in childcare and cross-cultural living.
We understand that being an au pair is not just a job but a cultural exchange experience that enriches both the au pair and the host family. We are committed to providing a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment where you will feel valued, appreciated, and truly part of our family. We believe in open communication, mutual respect, and creating a home atmosphere where everyone can thrive. If you are someone who genuinely loves children, enjoys being active and engaged, and is excited about the prospect of living in Sweden and becoming part of a multicultural family, we would be delighted to hear from you.
What We Are Looking For in Our Ideal Au Pair
We are seeking an au pair who possesses certain qualities, skills, and characteristics that align with our family values and the needs of our children. While we understand that no one is perfect and that everyone brings their unique strengths and areas for growth, there are some fundamental attributes that we consider essential for this role.
Experience and Background
We are looking for someone with previous experience working with children, particularly toddlers and young children. This experience could come from various sources, including working as a nanny, babysitter, preschool assistant, domestic helper, or even from caring for younger siblings or relatives. What matters most is that you have a genuine understanding of the needs, behaviors, and developmental stages of young children, and that you feel comfortable and confident in caring for them. Experience with children of similar ages to our boys would be particularly valuable, as it means you will already be familiar with the challenges and joys of caring for a curious preschooler and an active toddler.
Ideally, the au pair should already be located in Europe. This preference is based on practical considerations related to visa processing, travel logistics, and the ability to start the position within a reasonable timeframe. If you are currently residing in a European country, whether as a student, worker, or resident, and are looking for a new au pair opportunity, we would be especially interested in hearing from you. However, if you are located outside Europe but have a strong interest in this position and are willing to handle the necessary visa and travel arrangements, we encourage you to reach out and discuss the possibilities.
Personality and Personal Qualities
The personality and character of our au pair are just as important as practical skills and experience. We are looking for someone with a nurturing, positive, and proactive personality. A nurturing individual is someone who naturally cares for others, shows empathy and compassion, and creates a sense of security and comfort for children. A positive person brings optimism, enthusiasm, and good energy to daily interactions, helping to create a happy and uplifting home environment. A proactive individual takes initiative, anticipates needs, solves problems independently, and does not wait to be told what to do but rather looks for ways to be helpful and contribute.
Responsibility and reliability are absolutely essential. We need someone who takes their commitments seriously, shows up on time, follows through on tasks, and can be trusted to care for our children safely and attentively. Organization is also important, as managing the schedules, activities, meals, and belongings of two young children requires the ability to plan ahead, keep track of details, and maintain order amidst the natural chaos of family life with small children.
We are looking for someone who is genuinely interested in children, not just as a job requirement but as a personal passion. The best caregivers are those who truly enjoy spending time with children, who find joy in their laughter and curiosity, who are patient with their questions and needs, and who see childcare as a rewarding and meaningful activity rather than simply a task to complete. If you are someone who lights up when you are around children, who loves playing, teaching, and nurturing them, then you will fit perfectly into our family.
Health and Lifestyle Requirements
We require that our au pair be a non-smoker. This is a non-negotiable requirement based on our commitment to maintaining a healthy environment for our children. Exposure to smoke, whether firsthand or secondhand, poses health risks to young children, and we want to ensure that our home and the people who care for our children support their wellbeing.
A valid driver's license is a plus but not a strict requirement. Stockholm has an excellent public transportation system, and most daily activities can be managed using buses, trains, and trams. However, having a driver's license and being comfortable driving would be advantageous for certain situations, such as transporting the children to activities that are not easily accessible by public transport, running errands that are more convenient by car, or accompanying the family on trips outside the city. If you do have a driver's license, please mention this in your application, as it may be a factor in our decision-making process.
Practical Skills and Willingness to Learn
We are looking for someone who is comfortable helping with cooking, light housekeeping, and errands. Cooking involves preparing simple, healthy, and nutritious meals for the children and occasionally for the entire family. You do not need to be a professional chef, but you should be comfortable in the kitchen, able to follow recipes, and willing to learn about the types of foods our children enjoy and the dietary preferences of our family. Light housekeeping refers to tasks related to the children and common areas, such as tidying up toys, doing children's laundry, keeping play areas clean, and maintaining general order in the spaces used by the family. Errands may include grocery shopping, picking up supplies, and other tasks that help the household run smoothly.
An important aspect of this position is the willingness to learn Swedish. Our children speak Swedish, as it is the primary language of their education and social environment. While we also use English and other languages at home, Swedish is essential for effective communication with the children, understanding their needs, and supporting their development. We do not expect you to be fluent in Swedish when you arrive, but we do expect a genuine willingness and commitment to learning the language. We will support you in this process by providing opportunities for language practice, recommending resources, and encouraging daily use of Swedish with the children. Learning Swedish will not only help you in your role as an au pair but will also greatly enhance your overall experience living in Sweden and open doors for future opportunities.
Your Responsibilities as Our Au Pair
As an au pair in our family, you will have a range of responsibilities related to the care and wellbeing of our two boys. These responsibilities are designed to support the children's daily routines, development, and happiness, while also contributing to the smooth functioning of our household. We believe in clear communication about expectations, and we will work together to establish routines and systems that work well for everyone.
School and Activity Transportation
One of your primary responsibilities will be managing the drop-off and pick-up of our older son from preschool and any extracurricular activities he participates in. This involves ensuring that he is ready on time in the morning, accompanying him to preschool, and picking him up at the designated time in the afternoon. You will also be responsible for transporting him to and from activities such as sports, music lessons, playdates, or other enrichment programs. This requires punctuality, organization, and the ability to manage time effectively to coordinate schedules and ensure that our son arrives at his activities on time and is picked up promptly.
Childcare and Engagement
A significant portion of your time will be spent engaging with our younger son, who is one year old, through fun, age-appropriate activities and outdoor time. Toddlers at this age are incredibly curious and energetic, and they thrive on interaction, exploration, and play. Your role will involve planning and facilitating activities that support his physical, cognitive, and emotional development. This might include playing with toys, reading books, singing songs, doing simple crafts, exploring nature, visiting playgrounds, and providing opportunities for him to practice new skills such as walking, talking, and interacting with others.
Outdoor time is particularly important for young children, as it provides fresh air, physical exercise, sensory stimulation, and opportunities to learn about the natural world. Stockholm offers many beautiful parks, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces, and we encourage regular outdoor activities regardless of the weather. Swedish culture embraces the concept of "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing," and we hope you will share this philosophy and enjoy spending time outside with the children.
For our older son, when he is home from preschool, you will also engage with him through play, conversation, and activities that interest him. This might include building with blocks, playing imaginative games, doing puzzles, drawing, or simply spending time together talking about his day and his interests. Both children benefit greatly from attentive, engaged, and loving care, and we are looking for an au pair who will provide this with enthusiasm and warmth.
Meal Preparation
You will be responsible for preparing simple, healthy meals for the children and sometimes for the family. For the children, this includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and occasionally dinner, depending on the family schedule. Meals should be nutritious, balanced, and appropriate for their ages and preferences. For a one-year-old, this might involve preparing soft foods, finger foods, and meals that are easy to eat and digest. For a four-year-old, meals can be more varied and include a wider range of foods, though it is important to be mindful of any preferences or dislikes.
Occasionally, you may also be asked to prepare meals for the entire family. This does not need to be elaborate or complicated, but it should be wholesome and enjoyable. We will provide guidance on the types of meals our family enjoys, and we encourage you to share dishes from your own culture as well, as we love experiencing new foods and flavors. Cooking together can also be a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and bonding.
Care During Illness
Young children inevitably get sick from time to time, whether with common colds, minor fevers, or other typical childhood illnesses. When the children are sick, they need extra care, comfort, and attention. Part of your responsibility will be taking care of the children when they are not feeling well. This involves monitoring their symptoms, ensuring they rest, providing fluids and appropriate foods, administering any medications as directed by parents, and offering comfort and reassurance. Caring for a sick child requires patience, compassion, and attentiveness, and we trust that you will provide this with kindness and diligence.
Light Housekeeping Related to Children
Your housekeeping responsibilities are focused primarily on tasks related to the children and the spaces they use. This includes tidying up toys after playtime, organizing children's belongings, doing children's laundry including washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes, and keeping play areas, bedrooms, and common spaces used by the children clean and orderly. We do not expect you to take on extensive household cleaning or maintenance tasks that are unrelated to the children, as we understand that your primary role is childcare. However, maintaining a tidy and organized environment for the children is important for their safety, comfort, and wellbeing.
Shopping and Organization
You will support the family by assisting with grocery shopping and organizing children's supplies. This involves creating shopping lists based on the needs of the children and the household, going to the store to purchase groceries and other necessary items, and ensuring that the home is stocked with food, snacks, diapers, wipes, and other essentials. Organization also includes keeping track of what supplies are running low, maintaining an inventory of children's clothing and toys, and ensuring that everything is stored in an orderly and accessible manner.
Travel Assistance
Occasionally, our family travels for vacations, visits to relatives, or other trips. When we travel, we may ask you to accompany us to assist with the children during the journey and at our destination. Traveling with young children can be challenging, and having an extra pair of hands is invaluable. Your role during travel would be similar to your regular responsibilities, including helping with meals, activities, bedtime routines, and general childcare. Traveling with the family also provides you with wonderful opportunities to see new places, experience different parts of Sweden or other countries, and create special memories together.
What We Offer to Our Au Pair
We believe that a successful au pair arrangement is one where both the family and the au pair benefit and feel valued. We are committed to providing you with a supportive, respectful, and generous environment that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally during your time with us.
Accommodation
You will have your own private room in our home. We understand the importance of having personal space where you can relax, unwind, and have privacy. Your room will be furnished and comfortable, providing you with a peaceful retreat within the family home. Having your own room allows you to maintain a healthy balance between your work responsibilities and your personal time, and we respect your need for privacy and independence.
Meals
All meals will be provided as part of your arrangement with our family. You will eat together with the family for most meals, which is a wonderful opportunity for bonding, conversation, and cultural exchange. We enjoy a variety of cuisines and are open to trying new foods, and we encourage you to share dishes from your own culture as well. If you have any dietary preferences, restrictions, or allergies, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Pocket Money
You will receive pocket money according to Swedish regulations and standards for au pairs. Sweden has established guidelines for au pair compensation to ensure fairness and transparency. The pocket money is intended to cover your personal expenses such as entertainment, clothing, phone bills, and other discretionary spending. The exact amount will be discussed and agreed upon in accordance with Swedish rules, and payments will be made regularly and reliably.
Public Transportation Allowance
Stockholm has an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city and explore different neighborhoods, attractions, and activities. We will provide you with a public transportation allowance to cover the cost of your travel card, ensuring that you can move freely throughout the city for both work-related responsibilities and personal leisure. This allowance allows you to take the children to activities, run errands, and also explore Stockholm on your days off without worrying about transportation costs.
Supportive and Respectful Family Environment
Perhaps most importantly, we offer a supportive, respectful, and welcoming family environment. We value open communication, mutual respect, and kindness. We see our au pair not as an employee but as a member of our extended family, someone who shares in our daily life and becomes part of our children's upbringing and memories. We are committed to treating you with fairness, appreciation, and consideration, and we hope that you will feel comfortable, happy, and valued in our home.
We understand that living in a new country and working as an au pair can sometimes be challenging, and we are here to support you through any difficulties you may encounter. Whether you need help navigating Swedish bureaucracy, finding language classes, making friends, or simply adjusting to life in Stockholm, we will do our best to assist you and ensure that your experience is positive and rewarding.
Opportunities to Travel and Experience New Places
As mentioned earlier, we occasionally travel as a family, and when we do, you will have the opportunity to accompany us. This means you will get to see different parts of Sweden, experience new environments, and create special memories in beautiful locations. Whether it is a trip to the Swedish countryside, a visit to another city, or even international travel, these experiences add richness and excitement to your time as an au pair and provide you with stories and adventures that you will carry with you long after your time with our family has ended.
About Stockholm: Your New Home
Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden, built on fourteen islands connected by over fifty bridges, where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. The city is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with water, green spaces, and historic architecture creating a unique and picturesque urban landscape. Stockholm is often described as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, and living here offers an exceptional quality of life.
Culture and Lifestyle
Stockholm is a vibrant cultural hub with world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city is home to the Vasa Museum, the ABBA Museum, the Royal Palace, the Nobel Prize Museum, and many other attractions that celebrate Swedish history, art, and innovation. Throughout the year, Stockholm hosts festivals, concerts, markets, and events that bring the community together and showcase the richness of Swedish culture.
The Swedish lifestyle emphasizes balance, equality, and connection with nature. Swedes value "lagom," a concept that means "just the right amount" or "moderation," reflecting a philosophy of balance and contentment. Work-life balance is taken seriously, with generous vacation time, parental leave, and a culture that respects personal time and wellbeing. This creates a relaxed and healthy atmosphere that you will experience as part of daily life in Stockholm.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Despite being a major city, Stockholm offers abundant opportunities to connect with nature. The city is surrounded by forests, parks, lakes, and the archipelago, which consists of thousands of islands and islets. Residents enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, boating, ice skating, and skiing, depending on the season. The Swedish tradition of "allemansrätten" or "the right of public access" allows people to roam freely in nature, camp, pick berries and mushrooms, and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
Stockholm experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own charm. Summer brings long days with the midnight sun, warm weather, and outdoor festivals. Autumn is marked by beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter brings snow, ice, and the opportunity to experience traditional Swedish winter activities and the magical atmosphere of Christmas markets and celebrations. Spring is a time of renewal, with flowers blooming and nature coming back to life.
Safety and Quality of Life
Sweden is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most livable countries in the world. Stockholm is a clean, well-organized, and safe city with low crime rates, excellent healthcare, high-quality education, and efficient public services. The city is known for its progressive values, including gender equality, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. As a resident of Stockholm, you will benefit from these high standards and enjoy a sense of security and wellbeing.
International Community
Stockholm is an international city with a diverse population that includes people from all over the world. There are vibrant expatriate communities, international schools, cultural organizations, and social groups that make it easy for newcomers to connect, make friends, and feel at home. Whether you are interested in joining language exchange groups, sports clubs, hobby classes, or cultural associations, you will find many opportunities to build a social network and enrich your experience in Stockholm.
The Au Pair Experience: What to Expect
Being an au pair is a unique and enriching experience that combines work, cultural exchange, personal growth, and adventure. It is an opportunity to live in a foreign country, become part of a family, care for children, learn a new language, and gain valuable life skills. However, it is also important to have realistic expectations and understand both the rewards and challenges of this role.
Rewards of Being an Au Pair
One of the greatest rewards of being an au pair is the deep and meaningful relationships you will build with the children and the host family. Watching children grow, learn, and develop, and knowing that you played a part in their upbringing, is incredibly fulfilling. The bonds you form with the children can last a lifetime, and many au pairs stay in touch with their host families long after their time together has ended.
Living abroad as an au pair allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture in a way that is much deeper than typical travel or tourism. You will experience daily life, traditions, holidays, and customs from an insider's perspective. You will learn the language, make local friends, and gain a nuanced understanding of Swedish society and values.
The skills you develop as an au pair are valuable and transferable. Childcare experience is highly regarded in many fields, including education, social work, healthcare, and hospitality. You will also develop skills in communication, problem-solving, time management, adaptability, and cross-cultural competence, all of which are assets in both personal and professional contexts.
Finally, being an au pair is an adventure. You will create memories, have new experiences, explore beautiful places, and challenge yourself in ways that contribute to personal growth and self-discovery. Many au pairs describe their time abroad as one of the most transformative and memorable periods of their lives.
Challenges of Being an Au Pair
It is also important to acknowledge that being an au pair can be challenging. Living in a foreign country away from your own family and friends can be lonely at times, especially in the beginning as you adjust to a new environment. Homesickness is a common experience, and it is important to have coping strategies and support systems in place.
Working with young children is demanding, both physically and emotionally. Children require constant attention, energy, and patience. There will be days when the children are difficult, when routines are disrupted, or when you feel tired and overwhelmed. It is important to be realistic about these challenges and to have resilience and a positive attitude.
Living with a host family means adapting to their routines, rules, and ways of doing things. There may be cultural differences, communication challenges, or misunderstandings that need to be navigated with patience and openness. Flexibility, respect, and good communication are essential for a successful au pair placement.
Learning a new language takes time and effort. While we will support you in learning Swedish, it will require dedication and practice on your part. There may be moments of frustration when communication is difficult, but persistence and a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them will lead to progress.
How to Apply for This Position
If you have read this announcement and feel that you are a good match for our family, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for someone who is kind, responsible, energetic, and genuinely passionate about working with children. If this describes you, please take the time to prepare a thoughtful application that helps us get to know you.
Application Materials
Please send your application via email to the address provided below. Your application should include the following materials:
A current and detailed resume or curriculum vitae that includes your personal information, educational background, work experience (especially any experience related to childcare, teaching, or working with children), language skills, hobbies and interests, and contact information for references who can speak to your character and abilities.
A cover letter or personal statement in which you introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in this au pair position, describe your relevant experience and skills, share what you hope to gain from the experience, and tell us why you believe you would be a good fit for our family. This is your opportunity to let your personality shine through and to help us understand who you are beyond the facts on your resume.
Information about your availability, including when you would be able to start, how long you are interested in staying (typical au pair placements are six to twelve months, though this can be discussed), and any constraints or preferences you have regarding timing.
If you have any photos of yourself with children you have cared for (with appropriate permissions), references from previous families or employers, certifications related to childcare or first aid, or other materials that support your application, please feel free to include those as well.
Email Address for Applications
Please send your complete application to the following email address:
info@westrup.com
In the subject line of your email, please write "Au Pair Application - Stockholm" to help us identify and organize applications.
Selection Process
We will carefully review all applications we receive. If your application stands out and we believe you may be a good match for our family, we will contact you to arrange an initial interview, which will likely be conducted via video call. This interview will give us the opportunity to get to know you better, discuss the position in more detail, answer any questions you may have, and assess whether there is a good mutual fit.
If the initial interview goes well, we may arrange additional conversations, possibly including interactions with our children, to further explore the possibility of you joining our family. We believe in taking the time to make the right decision, as this is an important commitment for both the au pair and the family.
We encourage you to ask questions throughout the process. It is important that you feel informed, comfortable, and confident about the decision to become our au pair, and we are happy to provide any information or clarification you need.
Final Thoughts
We are excited about the prospect of welcoming a new au pair into our family and our home. Our two boys are at wonderful ages, full of curiosity, energy, and joy, and we are looking for someone who will share in the adventure of raising them, supporting their growth, and creating happy memories together. We believe that the right person for this role is someone who loves children, embraces new experiences, values cultural exchange, and is ready to become part of a warm and welcoming family in one of the world's most beautiful cities.
If this opportunity resonates with you, if you can imagine yourself playing with our boys in a Stockholm park, reading them bedtime stories, preparing meals in our kitchen, and becoming part of our daily life, then we encourage you to apply. We look forward to hearing from you and learning about your story, your dreams, and your interest in joining our family.
Thank you for taking the time to read this announcement. We hope to connect with you soon and begin a wonderful journey together.
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