I’ve now lived abroad for 2 months, but have been working full time for one. Since the children are back at school and have regular activities, I’ve found it has helped me come up with a routine as well. Here’s what my schedule looks like:
Monday:
-7:30am: Drive my host brother to school 2 miles away. Round trip it takes about an hour with traffic.
-8:30-10am: Free Time
-10am: Take 45 min train to class
-11-1:15pm: Vocab Class
-1:30-2:15: Take 45 min train home
-2:30-4pm: Free Time
-4pm: Pick up the girls from school and give them a snack.
-4:40pm: Drive 2 of my host sisters to the swimming pool.
-5:40:pm: Drive my other host sister to the same pool. Wait for the sisters I dropped off earlier to finish and shower.
-6:45pm: Arrive home
-7:30pm: Dinner
Tuesday:
-7:30am: Drive my host brother to school
-8:30-11:45am: Free Time
-11:45am-1:45pm: Pick up the girls at school, make lunch and help them clean up kitchen and rooms.
-1:45-4pm: Free Time
-4pm: Pick up the girls from school and feed them snack.
-4:40pm: Drive one host sister to swimming.
-5:50pm: Drive another host sister and her friend to swimming. Pick up the first sister.
-6:45pm: Arrive home
-7:30pm: Dinner
Wednesday:
-8:30am: Drive my host brother to school
-9:30-11:45am: Free Time
-11:45am: Pick up girls from school and prepare lunch. Read and write English with the girls before afternoon activities.
-1:40pm: Leave for music lessons
-3pm: Drive home and pack swim bags. Feed the girls a snack.
-4:40pm: Drive one sister to swimming.
-5:40pm: Drive another sister and friend to swimming. Pick up first sister.
-6:45pm: Arrive home
-7:30pm: Dinner
Thursday:
-8am: Leave for school
-9:15-10:45: Speaking Class
-11-1:45: Vocab Class
-1:30-2:15: Take 45 min train home
-2:30-4pm: Free Time
-4pm: Pick up the girls from school and give them a snack.
-4:40pm: Drive 2 of my host sisters and friend to the swimming pool.
-5:15pm: Arrive home and help with homework with remaining host sister.
Friday:
-8:30am: Drive my host brother to school
-9:30-11:45am: Free Time
-11:45am-1:45pm: Pick up the girls at school, make lunch and make sure they play their instruments.
-1:45-4pm: Free Time
-4pm: Pick up the girls from school and give them a snack.
-4:40pm: Drive 2 of my host sisters to the swimming pool.
-5:40:pm: Drive my other host sister to the same pool. Wait for the sisters I dropped off earlier to finish and shower.
-6:45pm: Arrive home
-7:30pm: Dinner
I also do light housework during my down time. This can be anything from laundry to dishes. During my Free Time I try to blog, have a social media presence, run, read and write in my journal. On Wednesday nights I get together with 3 other Au Pairs in my town. We watch a weekly cooking show called The Great British Bake Off. I may go out another night during the week, but it depends on homework and what time I have to get up the next morning. The weekends are mine to do as I please.
Pizza Night with the Girls for GBBO
I have to admit that I definitely had some culture shock when I arrived; I didn’t expect it as I’ve lived here before. I really like my host family but its hard to know when I am “off the clock.” I’m still getting used to being a nanny full time and its different than what I expected. Having the routine helps however I feel as though I am in the way sometimes. Personally, I’m learning a lot about myself which is something I was not expecting out of this experience. I’m hoping to finish this year with a clear vision of what I want and need for my life.
When was a time in your life that you had a new routine to establish?
Being a Nanny is a very responsible and hectic job. The host parents are trusting you with their most prize possession, their children. I know you can do a wonderful job. ILY
I know you will get use to the routine. You have a big responsibility and I know you can do it. I love and miss you.