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Every year, our Host Family of the Year contest celebrates the incredible families who go above and beyond to make their au pairs feel welcome, supported, and truly at home. Au pairs submit heartfelt nominations, and out of an incredible group of finalists, Cultural Care selects a winner.
This year, we're thrilled to announce that our 2026 Host Family of the Year award goes to the Menon Family from Wisconsin! Their story highlights the meaningful connections families can experience when they open their hearts and homes through Cultural Care.
Nominated by their au pair Aarishta from South Africa, the Menon family exemplifies what it means to be a Cultural Care host family. From the moment Aarishta landed at the airport—exhausted and far from home—she was met with warmth that went beyond obligation. Her host mom wrapped her in a jacket, lifted her heavy suitcase, and spoke with excitement that made Aarishta feel like her second family was waiting for her.
In that first car ride home, Aarishta remembers thinking, "I'm safe and I belong here." It's a feeling that captures this year's award theme perfectly: the moment you became family.
Read on to discover the Menon family's impact and the incredible home they created for Aarishta.
The moment you became family
This year's theme asks: when did your host family stop being strangers and start being family? For some, it's a single unforgettable moment. For others, like Aarishta and the Menons, it's a collection of everyday gestures that add up to something extraordinary.
Becoming part of the Menon family happened in layers for Aarishta. There was the birthday surprise when her youngest host-kid, Aria, cut strips of paper to hide in her lunchbox as confetti because she didn't have colors at school. There were the daily "huggies" from Abir, who isn't usually a hugger but asked for one every day after school and before bed from the moment Aarishta arrived. And there were the late-night talks, shared plates at restaurants, and long walks with her host mom. These moments shaped Aarishta's vision of family.
"Aria proudly tells everyone we are a family of five," Aarishta shares. "She asks for sister days, draws me into family pictures, and even mimics how I laugh and pose."
Her host dad makes her feel included through casual conversation, patience, and quiet support, proving that family doesn't need to be loud to be meaningful. And when something disappoints Aarishta, her host mom steps in. When a marathon event Aarishta had been looking forward to was cancelled, her host mom organized a hike to spend the day together instead.
"They treat me less like a guest and more like a younger sister," says Aarishta. "My relationship with my host mom has been especially impactful. She has inspired me, taught me to communicate, understand my emotions, and shaped my vision of a future family."
"There wasn't just one moment when they became my family," Aarishta reflects. "It has been a collection of moments every day where I feel seen, valued, and loved."
What makes the au pair experience special
If you're new to the au pair program, here's what makes it different from other childcare options: au pairs are young adults from around the world who come to the U.S. on a cultural exchange program to live with a host family for up to two years. They provide up to 45 hours of flexible childcare per week—including school pickups, meal prep, children's laundry, and transportation to activities—while becoming a trusted part of your family.
The Menon family shows what happens when you embrace both sides of the program. Yes, they got reliable, flexible childcare that adapted to their family's schedule. But they also gained something truly unique: a meaningful cultural connection that enriched their children's lives and created bonds that will last long after Aarishta's time in Wisconsin ends.
A true cultural exchange experience
Beyond providing a loving home, the Menons have truly embraced the spirit of cultural exchange. They've included Aarishta in traditions she had never experienced before. They include her in Rakhi and Diwali prayers, Thanksgiving reflections, and Christmas with matching jammies.
This is what being a standout host family is all about. They made sure the au pair's experience is as meaningful as their own. The best host families aren't just looking for childcare; they're looking to include their au pair in their everyday lives and create connections that last a lifetime.
"I do not see them as a second family but as part of my real family," Aarishta explains. "I am grateful to have two homes in two countries and to truly know what it feels like to belong."
Congratulations to the Menon family
When host families choose to host an au pair, it's because they understand the wonderful benefits they can take advantage of, like reliable and flexible childcare and the unique joy of cultural exchange. But successful host families like the Menons also recognize that the experience goes both ways.
We hope the Menon's story inspires more families to open their hearts and homes to an au pair, just like they did.
Congratulations once again to the Menon family for being our 2026 Host Family of the Year!
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