I will be honest: in my search for the perfect family support, many relatives and friends almost rolled their eyes out of their heads when I described the tasks involved. Even so, I believe there is an enormous need for it. That is one of the reasons I came up with and founded the company The Family Assistant.
Through my experience with the demanding families I was privileged to work for over the years, I know where the needs lie. This led me, together with a fantastic team, to develop masterclasses for aspiring Family Assistants. By giving potential candidates extra training and the chance to develop themselves, they are even better equipped to become professional Family Assistants. I also want to put the Family Assistant profession on the map as a fully fledged, recognised career. Because honestly, how wonderful is it to be able to fulfil such a valuable role within a family.
Family Assistants exist for families with children who need more than childcare. A Family Assistant is the personal assistant of the parents and, where relevant, of the babysitter. She helps the parents run their household. You could also call her a house manager or family manager. These terms are widely used in the USA and the UK, where the profession is already well established.
In other words, Family Assistants are there to help parents in whatever way is needed. Unlike a Nanny or babysitter, their role is not limited to looking after the children. People often hire a Nanny or babysitter so that this person can spend time with their children. Families who hire a Family Assistant do so in order to spend time with their children themselves.
Family Assistants not only help your children, they also support the parents
Nannies usually work with babies and toddlers, often full time until the children start school. Family Assistants often work for families whose children are a little older. That makes sense, because the older the children get, the busier family life becomes. For example: if you have several children who all need to be in different places at the same time, you need help getting them there. The Family Assistant is the all rounder in your family life.
With a Family Assistant, you have more time to spend with your children yourself
Parenting experts often say parents should read to their children every evening; the question is, who on earth has time for that with so many other responsibilities? Sometimes it is hard to enjoy your children when there is still so much to be done. The Family Assistant is not only there to help with your children, she is there to help you. You need someone who supports you, who makes sure there is a healthy meal when you get home, so that you have time to read your children a story or play with them.
Family Assistant versus Personal Assistant
The only difference between a Family Assistant and a Personal Assistant is the word ‘family’. Instead of helping to manage the life of one particular person, a Family Assistant helps family life run more smoothly. Just as with a Personal Assistant, the tasks can vary; she can provide support on both a personal and a professional level. Most Family Assistants have experience in the business world, which allows them to fulfil this role flexibly.
Family Assistants help you with the entire organisation of the household
A babysitter or Nanny will make sure the children get to their appointments on time. A Family Assistant makes sure everyone in the family turns up to their appointments on time. She can pay the bills, make doctor’s appointments and walk the dog. In short, she feels a great deal of responsibility for managing your entire household.
Support with planning private events and occasions
You know how it goes: your sister or sister in law is pregnant and a baby shower needs to be organised. Where do you find the time? You ask the Family Assistant to contact the caterer; she picks up the cake, orders flowers and makes sure the venue is decorated. A Family Assistant is perfectly able to organise a baby shower, a hen party or the children’s birthday party.
Administrative tasks such as answering the phone and sending emails
Are you ill one day, or do you have a sick child at home? The business emails keep coming in and the phone is ringing off the hook? Feel free to call on the Family Assistant and use her in this administrative role.
A Family Assistant prepares a healthy meal for the whole family, not just the children
Unlike a babysitter, who is responsible for feeding the children, an FA can help keep the pantry and fridge stocked and put a healthy meal on the table. This gives you the chance to enjoy your evening. Cooking is of course not their primary duty, but Family Assistants are there to help you in whatever way is needed.
