When you welcome an Au Pair into your home, you can set them up for success by being clear and consistent with your expectations. And the best way to do that is by creating a weekly schedule that lays everything out in a simple, organized way. It helps avoid confusion, avoids last-minute changes, and gives your Au Pair the structure they need to feel confident in their role.
Looking for the perfect Au Pair schedule template to keep everyone on the same page? Keep reading for tips and a weekly schedule template that you can adapt to fit your family’s needs.
How A Weekly Plan Can Help Au Pairs
Every family has its own dynamics, routines, habits, and ways of doing things that feel second nature to you but are entirely new for your Au Pair. They won’t know how your household works unless you tell them, and a weekly schedule is one of the most helpful ways to do that. It lays everything out so there’s no guessing and less stress on both sides.
Here’s how using shared calendars and weekly schedules can support both your Au Pair and your family:
- Establish expectations: A weekly schedule clearly outlines working hours, duties, and routines so your Au Pair knows what’s expected.
- Avoid miscommunication: Reduce the chance of confusion or last-minute changes by giving everyone a shared reference point.
- Help Au Pairs plan for their free time: Enable your Au Pair to make personal plans, socialize, or rest without constantly checking in about their availability.
- Align childcare needs: Keep your family’s schedule organized while ensuring your Au Pair’s hours are used effectively and fairly.
Au Pair Schedule Template
Creating a schedule for your Au Pair gives them a clear picture of their duties and working hours, so they can feel confident and prepared each day.
Tips For Creating A Weekly Schedule With Your Au Pair
Once you’ve got the basic structure, work with your Au Pair to build a schedule together. The goal is to create something that works well for your family while giving your Au Pair the guidance and consistency they need to succeed.
These tips can help make scheduling easier for both sides:
1. Schedule For The Future
Try to plan at least a week in advance. Planning the schedule early gives your Au Pair time to prepare, ask questions, and organize their personal plans. It shows that you respect their time and helps prevent avoidable stress. Everyone can move through their routines with fewer surprises when the week ahead is already mapped out.
2. Plan Around Holidays And Time Off
Make sure to include upcoming school breaks, public holidays, and any time off your Au Pair has requested. Accounting for these beforehand helps you coordinate responsibilities without scrambling at the last minute. It also gives your Au Pair time to rest, recharge, or make plans without wondering how it will affect their schedule.
3. Include Family Routines
Scheduling daily activities like school drop-offs, snack breaks, nap times, and dinner prep keeps your Au Pair in the loop. Including these in the schedule gives them a better sense of what to expect and where they’re needed, and helps them feel more attuned to your family’s daily flow.
4. Create A Consistent Routine
A consistent routine helps your Au Pair settle in and balance their role and personal time. Work together to create a routine that works best for you and your Au Pair. Remember: predictability makes day-to-day life easier to manage for everyone involved.
5. Communicate Often
Check in regularly and tell your Au Pair promptly if you expect any changes. Giving them a heads-up shows respect for their time and helps prevent confusion or stress. Even a quick conversation can make a big difference.
Get More Tips With Go Au Pair!
Having an Au Pair can help you keep your family organized, but it’s essential to set them up for success by establishing expectations early and giving them the guidance they need to feel confident in their role. A weekly schedule makes daily life easier for your family and Au Pair by supporting communication and helping everyone stay aligned.
Set your family’s week up for success. Learn more about becoming a Host Family or find an Au Pair today.
