Hundreds of families across the USA will say “benvenuti” to an au pair from Italy this year. Italian au pairs offer so much more than just incredible food—though that’s certainly a highlight! With deep-rooted family values and a wealth of childcare experience, they're becoming an integral part of many American households.

A strong sense of family

Italian au pairs typically grow up in large, close-knit families, where it’s common to care for younger siblings, cousins, and even neighbors’ children. Italian families often span generations and share meals together, creating a strong bond that makes them feel like family almost immediately.

Take the Sinofsky-Bohm clan, for example. Their Italian au pair, Grazia, quickly became a beloved part of their household. Host mom Laura Sinofsky-Bohm shares, “We sing songs and laugh together. Sometimes, we even finish each other’s sentences. With just a look, we can communicate. My husband jokes that we’re like sorority sisters when he walks in on us belting out tunes and dancing in unison.”

Cultural exchange at its finest

Italian au pairs are not only experienced caregivers, but many are also well-educated. With state-supported universities in Italy, college education is widely accessible, making Italian au pairs highly qualified. They also have a passion for cultural exchange and are eager to share their heritage with their host families.

For the Cooper family in Connecticut, their au pair Margareta played a key role in their daughter’s school project on global cultures. “Margareta visited the classroom and greeted the children in Italian,” says host mom Kristen Cooper. “She helped the kids make pasta necklaces and taught them to sing a popular children’s song in Italian. She’s also introduced us to Italian cuisine, holiday traditions, and customs.”

Adaptable and skilled drivers

Italian au pairs often have strong driving skills, whether they’ve navigated the crowded streets of Italian cities or the winding roads of the Italian countryside. Many are used to driving in various conditions, from cobblestone streets to snowy terrains, making them adaptable to driving larger vehicles in the U.S.

A love of food and shared traditions

One thing is certain—Italian au pairs bring a passion for food! Whether it’s cooking traditional Italian meals or discussing the differences between Italian and Italian-American traditions, food becomes a shared experience.

The Teefey family in Pennsylvania enjoys joking with their au pair about “fake American” traditions, like the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, which isn’t widely practiced in Italy. Together, they’ve blended Italian and American traditions to create their own unique family customs.

Embrace Italian culture with an au pair

Italian au pairs bring more than just their language and traditions into your home—they bring a sense of family and belonging. If you’re ready to welcome an au pair from Italy into your family, get started today!