Starting off on the right foot (APs)

[Millarkie]

I wish there was a AP host family forum so I could let rip about current AP but anyway......
Tips required for how to start off on the right foot with next AP..please.

I have handbook - with info on house, routines of all of us, local info etc.
I have 'duty list' - broken down into jobs which happen at a certain time (ie. child watching 4pm-5.30pm) and jobs that need to be done by the end of the week (dust living room shelves).
I pay generously and the jobs add up to fewer than 25 hours.

So, without writing down all the niggles which we have been through and making me look like an obsessive nightmare - how do I get through the first few weeks without being a pushover and ended up in the situation I'm in now???

Unfortunately I also have an overlap between current AP and new AP (which is good if current AP introduces new AP to some friends but not so good if she also hands over her bad habits), but I"m taking off a few days to show new AP around the area etc.

When I'm back at work should I schedule nightly chats with new AP and question her as to what she's done or not done? Should I create a tick-list for jobs?

If anyone wants a laugh I can list the things that current AP has done that is making me so paranoid about the next one

Well, that just would worry me on it's own. I like my carbs too much to get rid of them Bet you're glad you don't have to pay so much for fruit anymore hm?

Yes, last AP almost doubled our food bill so will be nice if this one is a bit more economical. So far she seems really nice (but quiet) and she is really missing the household she was living in (she had 3 older kids and spent most of the time playing with them so it's a big change to be with us, 2 younger ones who have mainly had sports clubs/parties to go to this weekend).

Due to a technical error, my lottery win has not yet materialised, so I am back to the day job for the time being, and DD's grape-peeling has been postponed

Hope she opens up soon Millarkie. And yes, I think we might be a troll

Hey Pixi - I tried to CAT you but you don't accept them!

CACC - It's okay, mine hasn't either yet

Millarkie - I don't accept CATs but I did get your email, as you know
How do you get CATs, I cannot find it on my profile info anywhere :/ Don't you have to pay for them though? I'd accept them if they were free

Pixi - it's under MyMumsnet (you need to log in) and then under 'email options'. I thought it was free to receive but you have to pay to send CAT, but I may be wrong Found your email on another thread anyway - am working on dh so please pass your driving test next time!!!

Haha, I'm working on driving test I promise :P I'm booking another in Essex if I don't pass in Cheltenham this time round, I'll pass more easily there I think They are stupidly strict up here O_o

I failed 3 times (I think, was a long time ago) in Chelmsford so I switched to Colchester and passed - think the one-way system in Chelmsford had something to do with it!

I know loads of people who should have taken their tests in Chelmsford but decided to go with Clacton instead because of that! I hear that Colchester isn't too easy to pass in though, and though it's still easy to pass in Clacton, thats getting worse because the test routes are becoming unkempt, signs are hard to see due to overgrown hedges and things. I failed in Clacton for either speeding or going to slow because the road switched in a 30, 40, 30 way (or the reverse: 40, 30, 40) and I just didn't see the second signpost!