The first week sets the tone. A little time spent on it saves months of misunderstandings.
Day one
- Walk through the house: water, gas, power, the gate, the first-aid kit
- Write down emergency numbers: yours, a neighbour, the nearest hospital, the estate's security
- Share each child's routine: wake-up, meals, naps, bath, bedtime
- Note allergies, medicines and anything a child is afraid of
During the week
- Work alongside her for a day or two if you can
- Explain house rules once, kindly, and write them down
- Check in at the end of each day: what went well, what was hard
- Pay on time from the first month, and give her a pay record
Agree how you'll talk about problems
Say early that you'd rather hear about a broken plate or a bump on the head straight away. Aunties who feel safe telling you things are the ones you keep.
When she's settled, and only if she has worked for you, you can leave a review on her Aunty Nyumbani profile to help other families.
Quick answers
How do I help a new house help settle in?
Show her the house and routines on day one, write down emergency contacts and house rules, check in daily, and pay on time.