Tania Noelia from Peru
Host Family Questions and Answers
1. How do you think your Au Pair’s experience with your family will impact their life in the years to come? What is their life like, and how did their time with your family impact their journey?
Noelia’s experience with our family here in Utah will impact her life forever. She told us how much she loves Utah and the USA, and plans to complete her education here after being an Au Pair. She’s become one of our family,
And will always have a second home and family support from her Utah family. She’s improved her English and learned about my Navajo cultural here in our home, she’s managed 5 kids and gained confidence doing hard things such as the work as an Au Pair with such a large family that will help her when she has her own professional career and family. Her life has been busy with constant learning before being an Au Pair, during, and her plans after.
2. What are 10 things your Au Pair has done that has gone above and beyond your expectations?
- When she first arrived from Peru she showered us with gifts of yummy candies and a beautiful handmade scarf and wallet from her home country and made us all feel so loved and like it was Christmas.
- She’s taught Spanish lessons to our children, and even to me and my spouse too! It’s been an our dream to lean Spanish.
- She’s potty train my 3 year old, while I was struggling to using creative methods I had never thought of.
- When I went into labor with my 5th child, she was gracious and already had prepared to drop her evening plans and worked unplanned hours to allow my husband to come with me and did it with a willing heart.
- Even when I tell her to not worry about dishes from family meals, day after day she continues to wash and put away all the dishes from our big family meal.
- Without asking, she will prepare the most delicious Peruvian meals for all of us to eat, she is so talented with cooking, she often cooks enough to share with me and my husband.
- When she went to visit her family out of the country she bought our entire family soccer Jersey’s from Peru and made us feel so special. Our family loves sports, especially soccer!
- Noelia does not just watch our kids, she hops on the trampoline and jumps, runs, sings, dances and plays hard with all our kids. With 4 very active boys, she tired them out so they all sleep so well at night.
- Noelia taught my 7 year old who was struggling in reading to read and improve on his reading test. She is so organized and managed to do 1 on 1 reading sessions, while holding my new born and keeping the other kids busy with their other chores and piano practice after school.
- Noelia spent hours setting up a massive ballon arch for my baby shower, she decorated like a professional and volunteered her time and talents to make me feel extra special, and she bought me the most beautiful baby gifts.
3. What’s the funniest or most unforgettable cultural or language mix-up you experienced with your Au Pair?
When she was driving and drove over a rock with the car, we could not understand and finally understood after she spelled out the word, R, O, C, K, and then we all laughed for a while after that.
4. Share the moment your family realized your Au Pair became more than just a child care provider and was truly part of your family.
On Noelia birthday, we threw her a surprise party with gifts I know she didn’t expect, it brought tears of happiness to her and she was so grateful and it felt even more wonderful as her host parents and family to give her each giant family hugs, understanding with her family in a video call she was missing them. I knew she had accepted us in a way as her host family and not just strangers she was living with.
5. Describe a challenge your Au Pair tackled and how they overcame it. How did you support them?
Learning to drive and obtain her drivers license was a challenge. The DMV personnel accused her of having a fake internal license and she also didn’t pass her test the first time. We reassured her and gave her confidence with ensuring she had the necessary paperwork the final time, we also spend hours driving and practicing parking with her. She quickly learned and studied all the driving rules and finally got her Utah license.
6. What new things did you learn about your Au Pair’s culture? Share some surprising insights or customs from their home country that you didn’t know before.
She taught me about the various indigenous Peruvian’s, the largest Tribe is called the Quechua. She taught us about how some live in the jungle and how it was similar difficulties to how I explained my Tribe,
The Navajo struggle with different things such as early teen pregancy, health disparities and other issues. She taught us how if someone sneezes several times in Peru you say dinero y comida (money and food) in Spanish. She showed us beautiful dances done in Peru and of course our favorite exposure to all the delicious foods and desserts.
7. Reflect on one aspect of your time with your Au Pair that you wish had been different and why?
I wish that before my Au Pair went to visit her family living in Europe this year, I had taken more time to prepare handmade Navajo gifts from me to give out to her family to show them how much we love and appreciate Noelia. I think this would have been a great gesture to her family and Noelia, but was I still recovering from having my baby and did not have the energy.
8. Make believe your Au Pair just won a million dollars! How would they choose to spend it?
Noelia is so smart and I am certain she would invest and save some of it, spend some to finish her education, spend and share some with her her family, and then she’d go to Harry Potter World; travel to France, and other places she’ve always wanted to visit, maybe back to England.
9. Tell us how your family overcame a challenge with help from your Au Pair. What surprised you about how well your Au Pair navigated this?
During the summer time, all of our kids were at home, while I was pregnant, and both of us working from home at times Noelia, helped us all survive by creating a new Summer Schedule to keep the kids busy, assisting with driving kids to summer camps. We were all very surprised at how well she handled the stress.
10. How has your Au Pair supported your children’s growth? For example, have they contributed to your children learning new skills or helped with their confidence?
As mentioned, Noelia taught my child Louie to read, improved his grades, she’s helped potty training Russell, she’s helped my daughther Aiyana who is very shy build her confidence and give her a hope and courage.
11. How does your Au Pair support you in becoming a more effective parent to your children? Are there specific tasks or responsibilities they take on that allow you to focus more on quality time with your kids?
Noelia has helped me with the organization of my children’s schedules; with their bedroom and bathrooms and their disapline to complete chores, their homework, their musical lessons; she’s created a more pleasant environment in our home; she’s allowed me to have less stress and more patience and love for my children and time to bond with my spouse through date nights and time.
Au Pair Questions and Answers
1. How do you think your Host Family’s experience with you will impact their life in the years to come? What is their life like, and how did your time with them impact them?
My host parents always remind me that my arrival was a huge blessing for their family. Hearing them say that fills my heart with gratitude and joy because I know I’ve made a lasting impact on their lives. From sharing my culture, like introducing them to Peruvian food, to teaching the kids Spanish, I feel like I’ve left a piece of myself in their daily life.
Russ (3) learned to use the potty, Louis (7) became a confident reader, Teddy (10) discovered his passion for playing the piano, and Aiyana (11) improved her swimming skills significantly. Meanwhile, my host parents enjoyed more quality time with baby Leo and had the opportunity to strengthen their bond as a couple.
Now, their lives as a family feel more harmonious and joyful because we’ve worked as a team to support one another. I know that the small seeds of knowledge and love we planted together will continue to grow, shaping their future. I’m incredibly grateful to be their “eldest daughter,” and I’ll carry this bond with me for the rest of my life.
2. What are 10 things your Host Family has done that has gone above and beyond your expectations?
- Welcoming me like family: From the moment I arrived in Utah, they gave me a warm and loving welcome. They made me feel safe, valued, and part of their family from day one.
- Thoughtful gestures from my host mom: My host mom has become one of my closest friends. She leaves sweet notes on my door with words of encouragement, gratitude, or simply a chocolate when I need it most. Her kindness and attention always make me feel loved.
- A birthday to remember forever: On my birthday, they surprised me with a perfect day. They took me to eat Peruvian food and even found a cake from my country, which isn’t easy to get here. Each family member shared why they love me, and I felt so special and appreciated. I couldn’t hold back my tears of happiness.
- Extra vacation time: They gave me an additional week of vacation to spend more time with my family back in Peru. Even when my return flight was delayed, they told me to prioritize myself and my well-being, which meant so much to me.
- Spiritual support: My host family prays for me constantly. They’ve supported me through challenges and celebrated my successes with genuine care.
- A sibling bond with the kids: My host kids see me as a sister. They often joke about how Sofi, the previous au pair, is the “first sister,” I’m the “second,” and they’re next in line. Their love for me feels so real and unconditional.
- A true family connection: My host family doesn’t just treat me like a temporary au pair—they’ve made me feel like a lifelong member. They’ve maintained a strong bond with Sofi and assured me that I’ll always be part of their family.
- Prioritizing my safety: When I had issues with the car, they didn’t care about the material damage but asked how I was feeling. They taught me that people matter more than anything else.
- Supporting my cultural roots: Every time I visit the Peruvian store, they let me choose whatever I want. They’ve even fallen in love with Peruvian food and enjoy it as much as I do.
- Welcoming my friends: They’ve extended their kindness to my au pair friends. They invite them over, make them feel welcome, and treat them as part of the family. My host kids adore them, too, and always ask about them.
3. What’s the funniest or most unforgettable cultural or language mix-up you experienced with your Host Family?
One of the funniest moments was with my host dad. I asked him to pay me my monthly salary after I had worked for the month, but I accidentally mixed up “before” and “after.” He misunderstood and thought I was asking for an advance payment for the upcoming month! He was so confused but agreed to pay it, and we both laughed so much when I explained what I actually meant. It was such an innocent mistake, and now we joke about it whenever we talk about paydays.
4. Share the moment you realized you were truly a part of your Host Family’s family.
I truly felt like part of my host family during my birthday celebration. They went above and beyond to make me feel loved and appreciated. From thoughtful gifts to heartfelt hugs, they created a day so full of joy and warmth that I couldn’t hold back my tears. They even joined a video call with my family in Peru, making me feel like I had both my families together for the first time. That day, I realized I wasn’t just their au pair—I was part of their hearts.
5. Describe a challenge you tackled and how you overcame it. How did your Host Family support you?
When I tried to get my driver’s license, I faced an unexpected accusation of having a fake license, which was both stressful and upsetting. My host family stood by me through it all. They reassured me, helped me understand the steps I needed to take, and never doubted my integrity.
My host mom’s mother even offered to take over my shift so I could have more time to prepare for my driving test. Everyone prayed for me, and their encouragement gave me the strength to keep trying. In the end, I passed the test, and their unwavering support made all the difference.
6. What new things did you learn about American culture from your Host Family? Share some surprising insights or customs your Host Family shared with you that you didn’t know before.
My host mom is Navajo, and learning about her Native American heritage was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. She taught me traditional hoop dances, shared Navajo words, and showed me their beautiful attire and traditional meals. Her father speaks Navajo as his first language, which I found fascinating.
I also embraced broader American culture by celebrating the 4th of July with parades and fireworks, cooking American-style meals, and participating in family traditions that reflect the diverse beauty of this country.
7. Reflect on one aspect of your time with your Host Family that you wish had been different and why?
If I could change one thing about my time with my Host Family, it would be to have been more prepared for the arrival of baby Leo. We knew he would come earlier than expected, but the timing caught us all a little off guard. While I was able to support my host mom during those days by taking care of the kids and ensuring everything at home ran smoothly, I wish I could have done more to prepare everything for her and the baby in advance.
It was such a special moment to stay with the kids and be their anchor while their parents focused on welcoming Leo into the world. However, I would have loved to have had more time to prepare every detail perfectly—setting up the nursery, organizing baby essentials, and creating a stress-free environment for my host mom. Even so, I’m proud of how I stepped up during those days, keeping the kids happy and cared for so my host parents could fully focus on this life-changing event.
8. Make believe you won a million dollars! How would you choose to spend it?
If I won a million dollars, I’d invest it in education because it’s the most powerful tool for changing lives. I’d start by supporting children in Peru, giving them access to opportunities that could transform their futures.
I’d also use part of the money to travel the world, experiencing different cultures and visiting my family regularly to keep our bond strong. Lastly, I’d create scholarships for au pairs who need financial support to join this life-changing program. This way, more people could experience the joy, growth, and love I’ve found with my host family.
9. Tell us how you overcame a challenge with the help of your Host Family. What surprised you about how you resolved the challenge?
One significant challenge I faced was dealing with the false accusation regarding my driver’s license. My host family’s unwavering belief in my honesty and their proactive support were instrumental in overcoming this hurdle. What surprised me most was the depth of their involvement—they didn’t just offer moral support but actively helped me navigate the legal process, practiced driving with me, and even arranged for the grandmother to cover my shift so I could focus on resolving the issue. Their practical assistance and emotional encouragement showed me the true meaning of family, and together, we turned a daunting situation into a manageable one. I was amazed by their resilience and dedication, which not only helped me overcome the challenge but also strengthened our bond.
10. How have you supported the growth of your Host Kids? For example, have you helped them learn a new skill or helped them overcome something?
I’ve supported my host kids in so many ways, and it fills me with pride. Russ learned to use the potty independently, which was a huge milestone for him. Louis now reads fluently, and I still remember the joy in his eyes when he finished his first book. Teddy discovered his love for piano and writing, he can write a whole book with the best handwritting, I am so proud of him, and I encouraged him to practice, which he now does with so much passion. Aiyana gained confidence in swimming after practicing together, baby Leo only with 4 moths can rotate by himself and recognize more family and he is just amazing.
I also taught them Spanish, which opened their minds to a new culture. The moments when they sing songs in Spanish or say simple phrases to me are unforgettable. Watching them grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
11. How does your Host Family support you during your time as an Au Pair? How have you supported your Host Family that has changed their lives?
My host family has been incredibly supportive throughout my time as an au pair. They provided me with a welcoming and nurturing environment, ensuring I felt at home from day one. They offered emotional support during challenging times, celebrated my achievements, and respected my cultural background by embracing Peruvian traditions alongside their own. They gave me the flexibility to pursue my personal goals, such as furthering my education and engaging in community activities, while also valuing my contributions to their family.
In return, I have supported my host family by taking care of their children with love and dedication, allowing them to balance their work and personal lives more effectively. By fostering a positive and harmonious household, I helped reduce their stress and created a joyful environment for everyone. My efforts in teaching the children Spanish and sharing my cultural heritage enriched their lives and broadened their perspectives. Additionally, by strengthening their marriage through taking on responsibilities and providing emotional support, I contributed to a more united and happy family. Our mutual support has not only enhanced their daily lives but has also built a foundation for a lasting, meaningful relationship that continues to positively impact their lives beyond my stay. I love them with all my heart.
