What is a Bro Pair? A Guide for Families and Caregivers

What is a Bro Pair and Why More Families Are Choosing One

Whether you are a family looking for reliable childcare or a young man interested in a purposeful job with children, the Bro Pair model offers something special.

A Bro Pair is a male au pair who provides structured childcare with energy, empathy, and consistency.

This guide is designed for both families and future Bro Pairs to understand the benefits, expectations, and next steps of joining this growing and inclusive movement in childcare.

Who Becomes a Bro Pair

Bro Pairs are typically young men between the ages of 18 and 30 who enjoy working with children. They may be taking a gap year, studying part time, or interested in building professional skills in education or caregiving.

Bro Pairs can either:

Live with a host family as a live-in caregiver
Work locally and commute each day

They are not just assistants. They are trained and trusted individuals who build meaningful relationships with the families they work with.

What Does a Bro Pair Do

Bro Pairs are trained to deliver safe, enriching, and dependable care to children. They help create a daily routine that supports the needs of working parents and growing children.

Typical Bro Pair responsibilities include:

Helping with school pickups and drop-offs
Assisting with homework and reading
Preparing light meals or lunchboxes
Supervising safe outdoor and indoor play
Creating structure in the daily routine
Being a calm and caring male role model

Explore our full list of au pair duties to learn more about daily expectations.

Why Families Are Choosing Bro Pairs

Modern families are open to new possibilities. Many are choosing Bro Pairs because they bring a fresh, positive presence into the home, and are a great role model for their sons.

The benefits go far beyond traditional gender roles.

Key reasons families choose Bro Pairs:

A grounded male figure for young boys
A high-energy match for sporty or active children
A calm and fun personality in the household
A way to show children that care and kindness are not limited to one gender

Some families describe Bro Pairs as big brothers, mentors, and role models. Others appreciate their reliability and ability to balance play with responsibility.

Why You Should Become a Bro Pair

If you enjoy working with children and want a job that means more than just money, being a Bro Pair could be your next big move.

What you gain:

Confidence and leadership skills
Communication and emotional intelligence
Cultural experience with local or host families
A strong addition to your CV and career path
Income with most living costs covered if living in

Bro Pairs receive formal training through our childcare courses to ensure they are prepared and confident before placement.

How Much Do Bro Pairs Earn

Here is a look at what Bro Pairs typically earn in South Africa:

Hours per Day	Hourly Rate	Monthly Salary
8 hours	R105	R18 100
5 hours	R105	R11 300
4 hours	R108	R9 300
3.5 hours	R108	R8 150

For a full breakdown of hours and pay brackets, visit our au pair salary guide

Is a Bro Pair Right for Your Home

Families wondering if a Bro Pair could be a good fit should consider:

Do your children need a calm and present caregiver
Would a high-energy role model suit your child’s personality
Are you open to expanding your idea of what care looks like
Do you want someone who brings both structure and connection

If you answered yes to any of these questions, a Bro Pair may be exactly what your family needs. Create your family profile to get started.

Common Questions from Families and Bro Pairs

1. Do Bro Pairs receive the same training as female au pairs
Yes. All caregivers are trained through our professional courses

2. Can Bro Pairs work locally?
Yes. Many Bro Pairs live nearby and can commute to your home each day

3. Can Bro Pairs live with the family?
Yes. Families and Bro Pairs can decide what suits their needs best

4. Is a “Bro Pair” a common choice among families?
Yes. More families are choosing Bro Pairs each year as they seek inclusive and thoughtful care

5. What if I am not sure?
You can schedule a meet and greet, ask about experience, or even try a short trial period

Steps to Get Started

Whether you are a family or a future Bro Pair, here is how to take the next step:

For Families:

Create your family profile
Browse candidates or post your needs
Schedule a call or trial day with a potential Bro Pair
Use our interview guide to prepare for the interview

For Bro Pairs:

Create your Bro Pair profile
Enrol in our courses to stand out and get hired faster
Explore job matches based on your strengths and goals
Build meaningful experience that helps you grow

Bro Pairs Are Changing the Future of Childcare

Bro Pairs are not a trend, they are part of the new face of care. Families are choosing connection over tradition, and young men are stepping into purposeful roles where they feel valued and make a difference.

Whether you are hiring or applying, know that your decision matters. You are not just choosing help. You are building trust. You are shaping lives.

Let’s do that with intention.

Some More Helpful Links For You:

Bro Pair

What is a Bro Pair and Why More Families Are Choosing One

Who Becomes a Bro Pair

What Does a Bro Pair Do

Typical Bro Pair responsibilities include: