From Mexico to the Netherlands
✨ My Journey as an Au Pair
Some time ago, I lived one of the most enriching experiences of my life: I was an au pair in the Netherlands for a year. I was lucky to live with a beautiful family formed by a Mexican mother and a Dutch father and take care of two little ones, aged 1 and 3, who completely stole my heart.
From the very beginning, the family made me feel like one of their own. They never treated me as an employee, but as someone important in their daily life. My tasks included cooking for the kids, feeding them, bathing them, taking them to the park, the supermarket, or to the kinderboerderij (educational farms). We also watched movies together, I read them stories in Dutch, and stayed with them when they were sick. Even though some days were tough, being close to them gave me peace. I love children, and I cared for them as if they were my own.
The bond we created was so strong that eight months after finishing the program, I went back to visit them and they welcomed me with open arms. We shared the same moments and games as if no time had passed. Today, I know I will always have a home with them.
At first, things weren't easy: the kids had a hard time separating from their parents, and I had to learn their schedules, routines, and even their favorite meals. But with patience and love, we began to understand each other. Communicating was also a challenge at the beginning, but since I had lived in the Netherlands before, I had some basic knowledge of the language. Being with the children helped me improve my Dutch a lot: they spoke to me in their language, I read them books, and we watched movies and series together. Without even noticing, I started to understand and speak more every day.
The family also always respected the fact that I was there for a cultural exchange. They gave me time to travel, discover new places, and make friends. Thanks to that, I now have friends from all over the world and a much broader view of the world and of myself.
Being an au pair taught me so much: about Dutch culture, about raising children, about patience, empathy, and also about myself. It's an experience I wholeheartedly recommend. If you have the chance go for it! You'll be surprised by everything you can learn, live, and love in just one year.
By Andrea Pagés