FIFO Families: How Babysitting Can Support Your Family Routine

Written by Lisa

Western Australia is home to thousands of families living the FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) lifestyle—a rhythm that can be both rewarding and incredibly challenging. While FIFO work provides financial stability and career opportunities, it also brings a unique set of pressures for the families holding things together at home.At Cherished Cherubs Babysitting, we work with many FIFO families across Perth and understand the emotional and practical demands this lifestyle can place on parents and children. Whether it’s giving a solo parent some breathing room, supporting a smooth changeover day, or helping with school runs when life gets hectic, we’re here to offer care that fits around your family’s changing needs.Here’s how babysitting can help FIFO families stay strong, supported, and connected—no matter the roster.

The Challenges of the FIFO Lifestyle

While every family is different, some of the most common challenges we hear from FIFO parents include:

  • Solo parenting fatigue when one partner is away for weeks at a time

  • Disrupted routines during fly-in or fly-out transitions

  • Emotional ups and downs for children adjusting to a parent’s absence

  • Limited support if extended family isn’t nearby

  • Difficulty attending appointments or running errands without juggling kids

The reality is that one parent often carries the full load while the other is away—and even when both parents are home, finding time to reconnect or take a break can feel impossible.

That’s where flexible, professional babysitting can make a world of difference.


How Cherished Cherubs Supports FIFO Families

We offer tailored, in-home babysitting that’s built to work around your FIFO schedule—not the other way around. Here’s how we help:


1. Support for the At-Home Parent

Being “on” 24/7 without a break can be exhausting. Whether it’s for a few hours of self-care, attending appointments, or just catching up on sleep or housework, a babysitter can give you the breathing space you need.

Our babysitters come to your home, so your child can stay in their familiar environment while you take some time to recharge—guilt-free.


2. Help During Changeover Days

The days when your partner is coming home or flying out can be particularly intense—early flights, long drives, emotional goodbyes, and lots to coordinate.

A trusted babysitter can step in to:

  • Entertain the kids while you prepare

  • Provide calm, supportive care during transitions

  • Keep the home routine ticking while you reconnect as a couple or unpack

It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact.


3. Emotional Consistency for Children

Children often feel the emotional weight of a parent being away, even if they don’t express it directly. Having a familiar babysitter they know and trust can:

  • Offer stability during emotional moments

  • Help maintain daily routines

  • Provide positive attention and play when a parent is away

At Cherished Cherubs, we prioritise continuity of care, meaning we do our best to assign the same sitter for repeat bookings so your child builds a strong, comforting connection.


4. Help With School Runs, Activities, and Bedtime

Solo parents are often stretched across multiple demands—getting one child to school, another to day care, all while managing their own work or responsibilities.

Our babysitters can assist with:

  • School and activity drop-offs or pickups

  • Afternoon care and supervision

  • Help with dinner, homework, and bedtime routines

You don’t have to do it all alone. We’re here to lighten the load and bring calm to the chaos.


5. Quality Time for Parents to Reconnect

When both parents are finally home together, it’s tempting to squeeze in every moment with the kids—but don’t forget about your relationship.

Booking a babysitter for a date night, beach walk, or quiet dinner at home gives you a rare chance to reconnect and recharge together.


Real FIFO Families, Real Feedback

“When my husband’s away, I’m doing everything—school runs, bath time, bedtime. Booking a Cherished Cherubs sitter just one afternoon a week has helped me stay sane. It’s my little window of peace.”
– Lisa, Mum of 2, Baldivis

“We use Cherished Cherubs every time my partner flies back in. The sitter helps with the kids so we can unpack and reset. It makes the whole house feel calmer.”
– Tom & Amelia, Parents of 3, Butler

“We’ve had the same sitter for over a year. The kids love her and she’s become like part of the family. It’s made our FIFO life feel so much more supported.”
– Jenny, Mum of 1, South Perth


Engage a Trusted Babysitter Today

Whether you need a break, backup, or a better rhythm, Cherished Cherubs Babysitting is here to help. We’ll match you with a caring, qualified babysitter who understands the needs of FIFO families and is ready to offer calm, consistent, and compassionate care.

Book a sitter today, and let us help you take the worry out of finding the perfect babysitter for your family.

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At Cherished Cherubs, we have been providing quality childcare  in Perth since 2002.  We know how important your children are.  Our mission is to provide professional, tailored and affordable babysitting services to create a stress-free experience for parents.  We organise it all for you.  Whether you want to find a babysitter to take care of your little ones at home, at your hotel, at work or your latest event, we’ve got you covered.

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