The First Week as an Au-Pair: Daily Checklist
Photo: Anastasiia / Pexels
In your first week as an Au-Pair, it’s not about functioning but about settling in: resting, getting to know the children and their routines, clarifying work hours and free time in writing, taking care of the essentials, and honestly reviewing the week at the end.
This checklist guides you through the first seven days. You don’t have to accomplish everything in one day — and you don’t have to do it perfectly. The order is only to help you keep track.
For orientation, using Germany as an example: a maximum of 30 hours per week and 6 hours per day, with 1.5 days off per week. The host family pays your insurance and contributes €70 per month toward your language course. Different countries have different rules—check the country page of your destination.
Day 1 and 2: Arriving and resting
After the trip you’re tired, maybe jet‑lagged, and everything is loud and unfamiliar. That’s normal. Deliberately keep the first two days light.
- Briefly let home know: A message that you arrived safely reassures your family — and you.
- Set up your room: Unpack your suitcase, put up a few photos or items from home. Having your own space helps counter the feeling of being just a guest.
- Wi‑Fi, key, address: Ask for the Wi‑Fi password, have someone show you how the front door and key work, and save the address in your phone.
- Emergency numbers: Mobile numbers of both parents, pediatrician, neighbors — and the country’s emergency number.
- Sleep: Going to bed early is explicitly allowed.
Day 2 and 3: House Rules and Child Routines
Now you get to know the daily routine. It’s best to first simply accompany the parents: How does the morning go? Who takes the children where? What does the evening ritual look like?
- Children’s routines: Getting up, meals, daycare or school commute, nap, bedtime. Write down the most important times.
- Health and safety: Allergies, medication, what to do in case of fever, where the first‑aid kit is located.
- Rules for the children: Screen time, sweets, what is allowed and what isn’t. This way you speak with one voice.
- House rules for you: Visitors, kitchen, bathroom, quiet times, use of car or bicycle.
Better ask too much than too little — asking questions shows responsibility.
Day 3: Documenting the Plan and Free Time in Writing
The most important point of the whole week: a written weekly schedule. It shows when you are with the children, when your language class is, and when you are free. A shared calendar or a sheet on the fridge is enough. What is written down leads to fewer misunderstandings later.
As an au pair you look after children and experience a cultural exchange—you are not a household helper. Cleaning, cooking, or doing laundry for the whole family are not part of your duties. If the plan differs, bring it up early and politely.
The paperwork checklist
| Task | Why | When |
|---|---|---|
| Register residence | Exactly as your host country requires — often a deadline is stipulated | In the first week with the host family, clarify. |
| Check residence permit | Only if you need a visa: Ask whether and when you have to go to the immigration office. | Early, appointments are often scarce |
| Insurance | Obtain the documents and card, and know how to go to the doctor. | First week |
| Mobile phone and SIM card | Be reachable for the family and for emergencies | Day 1 to 3 |
| Bank account | If your allowance is transferred | First to second week |
| Monthly ticket | Independent of language courses and meetings travel | Before the first course day |
| Language course | Registration, placement, class times in the weekly schedule | First week |
Day 4: Language course and exploring the surroundings
Drive the route to the language school once before the course starts, preferably with a family member. Remember how you get home from the supermarket, the kindergarten or school, and the train station. A walk with the children will show you playgrounds and the library.
The language course is more than just lessons: there you’ll find other newcomers who, like you, are looking for someone to talk to.
Day 5 and 6: Making Initial Contacts
Don’t wait for friendships to happen on their own. A first meeting in the first or second week makes a big difference. Good ways are a language course, the au‑pair groups in your city on Facebook or WhatsApp, an au‑pair meet‑up, and your host family’s network. You’ll find more ideas in Als Au-Pair Freunde finden.
On AuPairMatch you can register your placement and have it confirmed by your host family. Then the Community shows you other au‑pairs near your host family—you send a message and arrange a meeting. This also works if you found your family through another platform or agency.
Ask your host parents directly: “Do you know other families with an au‑pair?” A single sentence in the parents’ chat at the kindergarten or school often yields a contact faster than any search.
Homesickness is normal
Sometime this week there may be an evening when you’d rather fly home. That doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong decision. It means that a lot is new right now. Schedule regular, but not too frequent, calls home, go out, move around, and write down what has already gone well.
Concrete help can be found in Homesickness as an Au Pair: 10 Tips and, if it’s more loneliness, in Lonely in the First Weeks.
Day 7: The first feedback conversation
Suggest a date
Please request 20 quiet minutes with the host family, without children and without time pressure — for example on Friday evening or Sunday.
Start with the positive.
Tell what you liked and what is already going well with the children. This creates an open atmosphere for the rest.
Clarify open questions
What is still unclear to you? Does the weekly schedule match reality? Do the working hours and free time align with what you agreed upon?
Ask for their impression
Ask what the parents would like to be different. Criticism in the first week is usually just coordination, not a judgment about you.
Schedule next conversation
Schedule a short conversation each week for the first month. That keeps minor issues small.
By the way, your host family has its own starter list: The first four weeks with an Au-Pair — Checklist for host families.
Who is already in your area?
Enter your placement and have it confirmed by your host family — then you’ll see au pairs nearby and all those who will be joining soon.
