Settling in
Your helper’s first month: a calmer start
5 min read
Your helper is adjusting to a new home, a new family and often a new country. Start gently: explain, show her how, and check in often.
Before she arrives
- Prepare her sleeping space with a mattress, pillow, blanket and toiletries.
- Write down key household information: family members, mealtimes, food preferences and allergies.
- Put emergency contacts in one place: your numbers, a nearby clinic and our number.
- Plan a simple welcome and a time to introduce the family.
The first day
- Show her around the home, including how to lock up and where the first-aid kit is.
- Agree on her rest day and talk about how she will contact her family.
- If she is new to Singapore, check the date of her Settling-in Programme.
The first week
Show one task at a time. Explain food preferences and routines, and demonstrate appliances before asking her to use them. A short written or picture list of daily tasks can help, especially where language is a barrier.
Weeks two and three
Keep to a manageable routine and have short check-ins. Ask what is unclear and adjust instructions together. Praise what is going well: it builds confidence on both sides.
At the end of the month
Sit down together and review what is working and where more guidance would help. If concerns continue, contact us early. We can talk to both of you, and arrange counselling in her language if needed.
A question about your own household?
Tell us what your family needs. We’re here to help you think through your next step.