Getting Started with eFamilyGuide: A Parent’s Walk-Through

So you’ve downloaded eFamilyGuide (EFG)—great choice!
This tutorial walks you through creating your first Family Guide, filling it with the right information, and sharing it with co-parents and caregivers. Follow along on your phone to be up and running in minutes.

---

1. Download & Sign In

1. Install the app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Verify your phone number. We’ll text you a one-time code—no passwords to remember.
3. Enter your name when prompted. That’s it; you’re in!

Tip: If you’ve been invited to an existing guide, when you log in for the first time you’ll automatically be joined to that family guide and see it on your family guide list. Otherwise, read on to create your own.

---

2. Create Your Family Guide

2.1 Name it

On the “Create or Join” page, tap Create New Family Guide and name your Family Guide (e.g., ‘Anderson Family Guide’).

2.2 Add essential details

We’ll walk you through creating the perfect guide for your family - so no sweat if you’re starting from scratch. But to give you an idea of useful things to include:

Section	What to include	Why it matters
House Info	Address, Wi-Fi name & password, alarm code, parking notes	Every sitter asks for these first.
Emergency Contacts	Pediatrician, poison control, nearest neighbor, your cell numbers	Time saved in a crisis.
Children	Bedtimes, allergies, meds, favorite comfort items, screen-time limits	Keeps routines consistent and kids happy.
Pets (optional)	Feeding schedule, leash location	So Fido doesn’t miss dinner.

You can always add custom info sections (e.g., “Smart-Home Tips”) with the New Section button.

3. Invite Co-Parents

1. Open the Parents tab inside your guide.
2. Tap Invite Parent → a secure 6-digit code appears.
3. Share the code via text or email.
4. Once they join, they can edit info, invite caregivers, and even become Manager if you transfer the role.

---

4. Invite Caregivers (Sitters, Grandparents, Neighbors)

1. Go to the Caregivers tab.
2. Tap Invite Caregiver and send them the code.
3. Caregivers download the app, tap Join, enter the code, and instantly receive read-only access—free for them, always.

Managing Access

• Toggle on/off: Use the switch beside a caregiver’s name for quick enable/disable.
• Schedule access: Set start/end dates (great for vacation sitters).
• Remove: Swipe left on their name if you’re done working together.

---

5. Keep Information Current

5.1 Edit on the fly

Need to push bedtime back or change the Wi-Fi password? Tap the pencil icon next to any field. Updates sync instantly for all members.

5.2 Add a second home or hotel

1. In House Info, tap Add House.
2. Enter the new address, unique Wi-Fi, alarm code, etc.
3. Mark it Active so caregivers know which instructions apply.

5.3 Transfer Manager role

Going on deployment or switching payment responsibility? In Guide Settings choose Transfer Manager and select another parent. They’ll take over billing and admin.

---

6. Your First Night Out—Stress-Free!

With your Family Guide published and invitations sent, your sitter can:

• Review routines before arriving.
• Reference meds or allergy info on demand.
• Message you only for the truly unexpected.

Meanwhile you enjoy dinner, a movie, or—let’s be honest—an uninterrupted nap.

---

7. Next Steps

Task	When to do it
Review your guide every few months	Kids grow fast; info changes.
Add seasonal notes	Pool rules in summer, furnace tips in winter.
Revoke inactive sitters	Keep access list tidy.

---