The new school year will start shortly. The transition from a more relaxed summer time to the busy school year can be challenging for all – kids, parents and au pairs. Here are a few tips for making it as easy as possible for everybody.
- Discuss changes to the daily routines in advance and mark children’s after school activities on the calendar
- Make sure au pair is familiar with the system of dropping off/picking up children (including NOT leaving kids in the car when picking up siblings)
- Put au pair’s name on the list of people allowed to pick up the children from school
- Provide au pair with the list of emergency contacts, including doctor’s
- Prepare a list of acceptable foods for breakfast, lunch and snacks
- Designate a spot for kids’ backpacks, school projects and sport/extracurricular activity items
- Discuss children’s after school routine (rest, playtime, use of electronics, homework)
- Remind au pair that it’s illegal to pass a yellow school bus if it has the STOP arm raised
Many au pairs have never experienced a school busing system; make sure they understand how it works and what to do.