How to Delegate Tasks To Your Aupair
Originally Published on 20th October 2020
Handing over responsibility usually occurs over the first few days or weeks. For some of us, delegating tasks may occur naturally, to others it may be a bit more difficult. This is especially challenging for parents who are used to looking after the kids on their own and taking care of everything around the house. You may even think there’s no other person who can do the job other than you. In the first few days, weeks or sometimes months, you will have to accept the fact that some things will not be done according to your standards.
Here’s an example: If your Aupair is folding your kids’ clothes in a way that is different from how you fold them, kindly explain your preferred method to them. Demonstrate it yourself, and be prepared to show them multiple times, as it might take time for the Aupair to remember it. Don’t worry, once they are able to master folding you won’t have to to be concerned about about that certain task anymore.
For an easier, faster, clearer delegation of tasks to the Aupair, here are some of the tips we want to share with you that you might find helpful.
1. Put everything in writing
If your Aupair has something to read off, they won’t need to repeatedly ask you about certain tasks that they don’t remember or understand anymore. She/he may also feel uncomfortable talking to you all the time when they first arrive and that’s okay. Give them time to adjust and familiarize themselves with all the tasks you’ve written.
Make sure you make your written notes as clear and simple as possible. The way how certain tasks are done and how many times they need to be done solely depends on how you delegate tasks to the Aupair and the best way to do that is through writing.
2. Let the Aupair have some alone time with the kids
If for example, you’re working from home, more often than not, your kids will gravitate naturaly to you than the Aupair who is a new person in the place. The kids will think the Aupair has no authority over them so they won’t be able to stop the children barging into your home office if they want to – they won’t listen to a stranger. That’s why it’s very important to give the Aupair a chance to bond with the kids for them to learn what her role will be and why she became part of the family. Once the kids bond with their Aupair, you won’t have any problem delegating tasks to the Aupair anymore, because you know the kids will listen to the Aupair.
3. Establish the Aupair’s Authority
If your kids are a bit older, have a chat with the kids, and say, “Hey guys! This is Louise, our new Aupair. Louise will help look after you while mummy and daddy are working. So if you need a snack, you will need to ask Louise. If you want to go jump on a trampoline, you will need to ask Louise. If you want a cup of milk, you will need to ask Louise.” This tip is connected to tip number 2 when delegating tasks to an Aupair, let the kids know who the new person in the house is, why the Aupair is there and what her roles are.
These tips on delegating tasks to an Aupair may sound easy but they require your patience, time, and effort, all of which can be a challenge especially if you’re a busy working parent. But doing them is guaranteed to help make your life a little bit easier once the Aupair gets used to her tasks and once the kids learn of the Aupairs’ role inside the home.