Steal my onboarding docs for my nanny & house manager
Clear systems = less stress. Grab the docs I use
COOKING Thistle while not cooking, ordering this prepared meal service has been saving me during this busy season! NEWMODERNMOM gets you $120 off.
BUYING New Balance 9060's just went through a massive try on of all different styles/brands and these were by far the comfiest
WATCHING The Last of Us definitely not a relaxing choice but Jason and I are watching together
LISTENING Incredible Women Podcast with Emma Grede I am so inspired by Emma and this episode was absolutely amazing!
SHARING MNT Featured in The San Francisco Standard I’m so proud of this SF story!
Currently
I’ve been asked “how do you do it?” more times than I can count this past month while we’ve been celebrating the launch of MNT Marina. The truth? I was focused because I wasn’t carrying the daily mental load of childcare and housework.
In January, I onboarded both our new au pair and house manager. Not just hired, onboarded. I gave them the tools, context, and clarity to fully step into their roles, and it’s made all the difference for our family.
Here’s how I did it and why it matters.
We put so much thought into onboarding new hires at work to set them up for success: detailed docs, hands-on trainings, links, systems. Why not do the same at home? I got super clear on what I needed—no guessing, no vague expectations. I spent a few focused hours upfront writing it all down.
1. Create onboarding docs before day one
The first step I took was building clear onboarding docs. I made them in a Google Doc, filled with everything from our family values to laundry preferences and where we keep the backup sunscreen. I sent these over before their first day, along with a quick note: “Hey! No pressure to memorize this or anything—just skim it before Monday so we can walk through it together and I can show you where everything is.”
They both told me afterward how helpful it was to walk in feeling prepped.
2. Go through it together IRL
On their first days, I time-blocked my calendar for the entire morning so I had time to walk through every page of the docs together. No distractions. I physically showed them around, explained my systems, and welcomed questions.
The truth is, this is the time to be as specific and detailed as you want. You may feel awkward at first, maybe you feel a little extra saying “yes, I really do want the spice jars facing forward,” but being unapologetically specific is exactly what sets your team up to support you, your way.
3. Treat your time like the asset it is
Here’s the deeper reason this matters: when you onboard your team well, you’re not just outsourcing tasks, you’re reclaiming time. This is an investment in your own success. The kind of time that lets you say yes to a spontaneous playground outing or actually focus during a work call without the mental clutter of laundry or dinner planning.
When those daily decisions aren’t all on you, you get to show up more fully for your family, your work, and yourself.
Delegating at home is no different from delegating at work. It takes trust, systems, and clear communication. The payoff is more presence, more peace, and way more energy for what truly matters.
You don’t have to do it all. But you do need the right support—and that starts with showing them how to support you.
Want my templates? I cleared out the personal details, and made some simple docs you can use for your own family.
Know a friend hiring her at-home team? Forward her this newsletter!
All The Things
Mother’s Day is around the corner! Today I’m sharing everything on my wishlist, in case you want to send it to your partner 😉 Shop the full edit here.
Adina Eden Rounded Statement Earrings love a statement earring and these are the perfect size
LESET Yoko Maxi Dress this dress will be great for spring and summer!
Eberjey Frida Cami and Shorts who doesn’t love pajamas?
Isabella Tote an elevated pool tote
Clare V. Fanny Pack this is my go-to for school drop off and TJ runs
Mama+Mini Sweatshirts Jason surprised me with the kids nicknames on these, and its such a sweet thoughtful gift
Freda Salvador Sandal these will work with so many different outfits!
Dorsey Gold Riviere Necklace for those who want a little more *luxury* this Mother’s Day
Rattan Tray, Stoneware Serving Bowls, and this Marble Serving Bowl for all the Spring and Summer party hosting we’ll be doing
Aureum No. 16 Belt I’ve had my eye on this gorgeous cream belt for weeks. Might be my gift to myself this year!
Looking for a Mother’s Day activity to do with your kids?
Here are five printable Mother’s Day cards. No last minute runs to Target required. Just print, color, and gain a few mins of peace while they celebrate YOU.
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As always, thanks for being here,
-Barbara