How to Organize Your Week with Your Au Pair (Free Printable Planner Included)

Welcoming an au pair into your home is an exciting experience, but even the most harmonious relationship works better with a bit of organization. Most misunderstandings between host families and au pairs don't stem from major issues, but from small expectations never spoken aloud: who picks up the children on Wednesday, what time does the day end, what does "a bit of housework" really mean.

A simple weekly plan solves most of these problems. Here's how to build one that works for everyone.

1. Start with the basics: hours and days off

Before planning individual days, write down the bigger picture you've agreed on: weekly working hours, days off, typical start and end times. Rules about hours, days off, and duties vary from country to country and program to program, so check the guidelines that apply to you and make sure your plan respects them.

Put the agreement in writing and keep it visible. It protects your au pair from overwork and protects you from "I thought you meant…".

2. Plan the week together, not for your au pair

At the start of each week—ideally Sunday evening or Monday morning—spend ten minutes going through the days one by one. Talk about:

• Children's schedules: school, pickups, activities, appointments
• Your commitments: late meetings, travel, days you get home earlier
• Special events: birthday parties, playdates, family visits

Involving your au pair makes her feel part of the family, and she'll often spot practical problems you've overlooked.

3. Be specific about tasks

"Helping with the children" can mean ten different things. List concrete daily tasks instead, for example:

• Morning routine and school drop-off
• School pickup and afternoon snack
• Homework help and play
• Preparing children's meals
• Tidying bedrooms and play areas
• Children's laundry
• Bedtime routine

A checklist eliminates guesswork and makes it easy to spot when a week is simply too full.

4. Plan meals and activities in advance

Knowing the week's menu saves stress and money, and helps your au pair feel confident in the kitchen, especially if she's still getting used to local food. Add the children's activities and a shared shopping list, so no one improvises at 5 p.m.

5. Do a weekly check-in

The most valuable habit is also the simplest: a brief chat each week. Ask what went well, what could improve, and if your au pair has questions or ideas. Encourage honest feedback from both sides and end by agreeing on one or two things to try the following week.

Regular short conversations prevent small frustrations from becoming big ones.

Download the free printable planner

To make everything easier, we've created a free Host Family Planner, a 4-page printable PDF with:

• A weekly planner (morning, afternoon, evening)
• An hours and tasks tracker with daily routine checklist
• A meal and activity planner with shopping list
• A sheet for the weekly family check-in

Download it, print as many copies as you need, and stick the current week on your fridge.

Like everything on AuPair Plus, it's completely free: no sign-up fees and no costs for families.

Final thoughts

A great au pair experience doesn't depend on a perfect schedule, but on clarity, respect, and regular communication. A simple weekly plan gives you all three.

Looking for more ideas? Browse our guides and free printable materials for host families at aupairplus.com