Don’t Go It Alone: Building Your Support Team as an International Parent

This week Mickelle welcomes Jasmijn Kok, co-founder of Nina.care, an au pair agency redefining how families find childcare support. Together with her twin sister Lyla, Jasmijn built nina.care to help parents and au pairs create meaningful connections that go beyond transactional relationships. Operating in the Netherlands, Germany, and England, Nina.care offers a modern and supportive approach to childcare, making it easier for families to thrive while fostering cultural exchange.

Jasmijn shares the journey behind Nina.care, which started with her and Lyla’s teenage babysitting service. Over time, they realized the profound impact of creating strong matches between families and caregivers. Today, Nina.care goes beyond placements, providing tools and support to ensure families and au pairs can navigate this unique relationship with ease. The company is built on core values of freedom, ownership, and what Jasmijn calls “sparkly”—an attitude that brings joy and care to everything they do.

One of the key distinctions Jasmijn explains is the difference between an au pair and other childcare options like nannies or babysitters. Au pairs live with families as part of a cultural exchange, helping parents with day-to-day tasks while experiencing a new country. This dynamic creates a unique relationship that requires thoughtful matching and clear communication. With nina.care, families and au pairs are set up for success from the start.

Key Moments

  • The Beginnings of nina.care

    Jasmijn and Lyla’s passion for supporting families began as teenagers running a babysitting service. Today, Nina.care helps parents reclaim their time while creating opportunities for young adults to experience cultural exchange.

  • What Makes an Au Pair Unique?

    Unlike a nanny, an au pair lives with the family, creating a close, collaborative relationship. Jasmijn emphasizes that the cultural exchange is at the heart of the au pair experience.

  • The Matching Process

    Nina.care uses a blend of technology and personal interviews to align families and au pairs on lifestyle, values, and expectations, ensuring the best fit for both parties.

  • Navigating Challenges

    To help families and au pairs work through inevitable challenges, Nina.care provides tools like a “house rules” guide and mediation services to foster better communication and stronger relationships.

Throughout the episode, Jasmijn and Mickelle reflect on the importance of building a strong support system as a parent, especially for international families navigating life in a new country. Whether it’s the logistical help of an au pair or the cultural enrichment they bring to a home, the benefits of this unique relationship are transformative for everyone involved.

Build Your Village

Parenting is a beautiful journey, but it’s one that no one should have to take alone. nina.care makes it easier for families to thrive by matching them with au pairs who bring care, connection, and cultural exchange into their homes.

Ready to create your own support team? Visit nina.care to learn more about their services and find the perfect match for your family. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The House of Peregrine Podcast for more inspiring conversations, and share this episode with a fellow parent who could use a little extra support!

View the transcript here.