In Belgium, the tasks of an Au Pair are mainly focused on supporting the family in childcare and light household tasks.
However, these tasks must be in accordance with the rules and agreements that apply to Au Pairs. In general, the following tasks can be expected from an Au Pair:
1. Take care of the children:
- Au Pairs often help with the daily care of the children, such as taking them to and from school, helping with homework, and playing.
- Help with getting up and going to bed.
- Outdoor activities: For example, going to a playground or taking a walk.
2. Light household chores
- Tidying and cleaning: Au Pairs often help with light housekeeping tasks such as tidying the children's rooms, vacuuming, washing dishes, and tidying common areas.
- Cooking: Sometimes Au Pairs can also cook for the children.
- Laundry and ironing: Au Pairs may be involved in washing the children's clothes and ironing clothes.
3. Language and cultural exchange
- Language support: Au Pairs can teach a language to the children, for example by speaking to them in their native language or by guiding language games.
- Cultural Exchange: Au Pairs often share their own culture, which can be enriching for the children and the family as a whole.
4. Assistance with family activities
- Support for family outings: Au Pairs can help out on family outings or holidays, taking care of the children while the parents participate in activities, for example.
- Shopping: Sometimes an Au Pair can help with shopping,
What an Au Pair may not do :
- Au Pairs are not allowed to do heavy household tasks such as deep cleaning, large housekeeping jobs, or yard maintenance.
- They are also not allowed to take on full-time care of the children. Working hours are also limited to 20 hours per week.
- The specific tasks will of course vary depending on the family, but it is important that the Au Pair focuses primarily on childcare and light housework, and that working conditions are agreed fairly and clearly.