Your Helper's First Week: How to Set the Right Foundation
The first week sets the tone for the whole placement. Families who invest time upfront in clear communication and a proper welcome see far fewer problems down the line.
Your new helper has just arrived in a new country, possibly her first time working abroad. She may be nervous, uncertain about what is expected, and unsure how your family operates. How you handle the first week significantly affects how well she settles in, and whether the placement works long-term. This is not about being strict or being lenient. It is about being clear.
Day one: arrival and orientation
Give her time to settle before jumping into work
She has likely been travelling for many hours. Allow her to shower, rest for a bit, and eat before launching into a full house tour. Starting calm sets a good tone.
Show her every room and explain its purpose
Walk through the home and describe what is in each space, what she should and should not enter, and where things are kept. Include the kitchen, her room, laundry area, and storage.
Show her where her personal items can go
If she has her own room, make sure it is clean and set up before she arrives. If storage space is limited, be clear about where she can keep her belongings. Dignity in her private space matters.
Go through house rules on day one
Cover phone use during work hours, rest day expectations, meals, guests, and anything that has caused friction with previous helpers. Better to state it clearly now than to correct it later.
The first 3 days: teaching your routines
Walk through your daily routine together
What time does everyone wake up? When are meals? When do children leave for school and come home? When does your family prefer the house to be quiet? She cannot guess this, so tell her directly.
Show her how to use each appliance
Do not assume she knows how to operate your washing machine, vacuum cleaner, or stove. Walk her through each appliance once, then let her do it while you observe before leaving her to do it independently.
Explain cooking preferences with real examples
If there are dishes you want her to cook regularly, cook them together or show her the recipe. Explain spice levels, dietary restrictions, and what the children will and will not eat. Vague instructions lead to repeated mistakes.
Give feedback while she is still learning
If she folds laundry differently from how you prefer, correct it gently in the moment. Do not wait until you are frustrated. Early correction feels like guidance, not criticism.
End of week one: a short check-in
By the end of the first week, sit down with her for a brief conversation. This does not need to be formal. Ask how she is settling in, whether she has any questions, and whether there is anything she needs. Then give her honest feedback on how the week went.
This sets a precedent for open communication, which matters throughout the placement. Helpers who feel they can ask questions or raise concerns are far less likely to let problems build silently.
Common mistakes in the first week
Leaving her alone from day one
What to do instead: Even if you are working, try to be present for at least the first 2 days to answer questions and correct things early.
Not explaining the why behind rules
What to do instead: Rules without reasons are harder to follow consistently. If your child has an allergy, explain it. If you prefer quiet after 9pm, say so. Context helps.
Expecting her to know what was expected by your previous helper
What to do instead: Every household is different. What her previous employer wanted may be completely different from what you want. Do not assume she carries that knowledge.
Saving all feedback for a big conversation later
What to do instead: Small corrections are easier to receive than accumulated criticism. Give feedback in the moment, calmly and specifically.
Not confirming her rest day arrangements
What to do instead: MOM requires one rest day per week or compensation in lieu, agreed in writing. Clarify this in week one and confirm it in the employment contract.
What we tell new employers
The families who call us two months in with problems almost always trace it back to the first two weeks. Either the rules were never stated clearly, feedback was not given early, or both sides made assumptions that were never confirmed. The first week is an investment. Put time into it and the rest of the contract is easier for everyone.
Looking for the right helper for your home?
We match based on your household's specific needs, then stay involved to make sure the placement works.