Bettina Velona's Au Pair Blog

This month we had a snowtubing event planned, but due to un-wintery conditions this week, we postponed it to February.   On short notice, we had a small gathering two days later at my house.   Since the meeting was smaller, we had the chance to talk about a lot of things.  Au pairs had the chance to talk to me one on one about issues that they are dealing with.  We also had a nice talk around the table about au pair topics, including child care, paying taxes,  boyfriends and life with the host family.

SPRING AND SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

from the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site (http://www.aap.org).

FUN IN THE SUN

Babies under 6 months:

• Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck are still the top recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands.

For Young Children:

• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15.

For Older Children:

• The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen – about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

HEAT STRESS IN EXERCISING CHILDREN

• The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.
• At the beginning of a strenuous exercise program or after traveling to a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and then gradually increased during a period of 10 to 14 days to accomplish acclimatization to the heat.
• Before prolonged physical activity, the child should be well-hydrated. During the activity, periodic drinking should be enforced, for example, each 20 minutes, 5 oz of cold tap water or a flavored sports drink for a child weighing 90 lbs, and 9 oz for an adolescent weighing 130 lbs, even if the child does not feel thirsty.
• Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat-saturated garments should be replaced by dry garments.
• Practices and games played in the heat should be shortened and more frequent water/hydration breaks should be instituted.

POOL SAFETY

• Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can’t reach.
• Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
• Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd’s hook – a long pole with a hook on the end – and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool.
• Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
• Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
• Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”

BUG SAFETY

• Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
• Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
• Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
• To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
• Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
• Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks and mosquitoes, and can prevent Lyme Disease.
• The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. The benefits of DEET reach a peak at a concentration of 30 percent, the maximum concentration currently recommended for infants and children. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
• The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase.

BICYCLE SAFETY

• Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets.  Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
• A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
• A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards.  The strap should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction.  If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit.

SKATEBOARD AND SCOOTER SAFETY

• Children should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near traffic.
• All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear.

Fun with Gingerbread!

Gingerbread is an important part of many cultures’ holiday celebrations. The story of the Gingerbread Boy has been retold in many versions. Below is a recipe for Gingerbread Cookies.

Gingerbread

Preheat oven to 350F

In a large bowl, sift together

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon nutmeg

In a smaller bowl beat

¾ cups brown sugar

6 tablespoons butter

1 egg

2/3 cup of molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.  Cover and refrigerate for one hour.  Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut out cookies.  Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes.  Place on a rack to cool.  Decorate.

The next UCLA online course will run from January 10 – May 16. Registration is already open at www.uclaextension.edu/aupairs

As per State Department Regulation, au pairs generally do not get credit for online courses.  This only online course is the only exception and it has been approved by the State Department.  It is designed specifically for au pairs who are required to continue their education as a part of their experience in the U.S.

Cold and Flu Season

The greatest number of children develops colds during the fall and winter months.  It is a virus that is spread from person to person, either by direct contact or by contact with the virus in the environment. Colds are most contagious during the first two to four days. 

Prevention- Simple hygiene measures can help to prevent infection with viruses. These measures include:

Hand washing is an essential and highly effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Hands should be wet with water and plain soap, and rubbed together for 15 to 30 seconds. It is not necessary to use antibacterial hand soap. Teach children to wash their hands before and after eating and after coughing or sneezing.  Make a fun game out of it.

Alcohol-based hand rubs are a good alternative for disinfecting hands if a sink is not available. Hand rubs should be spread over the entire surface of hands, fingers, and wrists until dry, and may be used several times. These rubs can be used repeatedly without skin irritation or loss of effectiveness.  Bring them with you wherever you go.

It may be difficult or impossible to completely avoid persons who are ill, although parents should try to limit direct contact. In addition, infants or children who are sick should not be sent to day care or school as this can potentially cause others to become ill.

Using a household cleaner that kills viruses (such as phenol/alcohol) may help to reduce viral transmission.  However, don’t overuse.

To boost your immune system, use supplements that contain Echinacea and Vitamin C.  Plus, get as much fresh air as you can and a good night’s sleep.

Flu Shots

Many au pairs and host families are looking for places to get flu shots this time of year. This year’s flu vaccine will protect against H1N1 (swine) flu, as well as other strains of seasonal flu.  Au Pair insurance does not cover immunizations, but there are lots of places to get flu shots for $30 or less.  If the host family is insisting that an au pair get a seasonal flu shot and she agrees to get it, the host family would be responsible for the expense.

If you are planning to get the seasonal flu vaccine, it is recommended that you get it as early as possible.

Check out the Massachusetts site at http://flu.gov/

Flu Shot locator:  http://www.findaflushot.com/

CVS Pharmacy and Minute Clinic: http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/promoContent/promoLandingTemplate.jsp?promoLandingId=1033&WT.ac=flushots_learn

Walgreens Pharmacy: http://www.walgreens.com/topic/health-shops/flu.jsp

Target Pharmacy and Clinic: http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/flushot_locator.jsp

NEW starting in October: No texting while driving!

The fine for the first offense is $100, and then it goes up from there.  If somebody has an accident while texting, the operator will lose the license for 60 days – a “guaranteed” ticket for an au pair to have to go back home.  Here is the link to the RMV website: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/SafeDrivingLawSummary.aspx

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

The following summer safety tips come from the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site (http://www.aap.org.

FUN IN THE SUN

Babies under 6 months:

• The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long- sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For Young Children:

• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.

For Older Children:

• The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen – about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

HEAT STRESS IN EXERCISING CHILDREN

• The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.
• At the beginning of a strenuous exercise program or after traveling to a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and then gradually increased during a period of 10 to 14 days to accomplish acclimatization to the heat.
• Before prolonged physical activity, the child should be well-hydrated. During the activity, periodic drinking should be enforced, for example, each 20 minutes, 5 oz of cold tap water or a flavored sports drink for a child weighing 90 lbs, and 9 oz for an adolescent weighing 130 lbs, even if the child does not feel thirsty.
• Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat-saturated shirts should be replaced by dry clothing.
• Practices and games played in the heat should be shortened and more frequent water/hydration breaks should be instituted.

POOL SAFETY

• Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can’t reach.
• Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
• Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd’s hook – a long pole with a hook on the end – and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool.
• Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
• Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
• Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”

BUG SAFETY

• Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
• Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
• Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
• To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
• Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
• Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks, which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
• The current CDC and AAP recommendation for children over 2 months of age is to use 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
• The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. Ten percent DEET only protects for about 30 minutes – inadequate for most outings.
• The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase. Children should wash off repellents when back indoors.

PLAYGROUND SAFETY

• Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
• Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these.
• Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children’s legs from getting burned.
• Supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.

BICYCLE SAFETY

• Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets.  Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
• A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
• A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards.  The strap should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction.  If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit.

SKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, IN-LINE SKATING AND HEELYS SAFETY

• Children should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near traffic.
• All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear; wrist guards are particularly important.
• While in-line skating or wearing Heelys, be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment and only skate on designated paths or rinks and not on the street.

Make a copy of your passport and visa and keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you should call the Stamford office to speak to the Compliance Officer. Then you should contact the consulate or embassy of your home country and get the process started to replace your passport.   Chances are your visa was stapled in your passport. If you lost your visa as well, you cannot travel outside the U.S., but you can stay in the U.S. to finish the program. To learn how to replace your visa, visit http://aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/procedure_5.asp

We’re in the dog days of the New England Winter and many of you have experienced more snow and cold temperatures than you ever have in your own country.  Days are short, the nights are cold, which gives many of us the “winter blues,” characterized by mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy.  It can also make you feel more isolated and homesick.

Here are some tips on how to keep your mood lifted during the dark months of the year:

*get enough sleep and rest – we need more of it in the winter – but don’t oversleep, which will make you more lethargic.  Sometimes a short nap can work wonders!  Relax when your energy level is down and give yourself time to rejuvenate.

*get out into the fresh air and sun as much as possible.  The sun provides you with vitamin D and improves your mood.  The air provides you with oxygen and you’ll feel more energized.

*exercise regularly. It maintains your weight, lifts your mood, releases stress and gives you more energy.

*eat healthy food.  Try to eat less refined and processed food (white bread, white rice and sugar) and more complex carbohydrates like whole wheat bread, brown rice, vegetables and fruit.  This gives your body more nutrients and stabilizes your blood sugar and energy level.   Make sure you drink your 8 glasses of water each day.

*Rely on your social network.  Meeting with friends over coffee and tea and chatting on the phone can brighten your mood.  You can always give me a call!

*Plan something that is exciting to you.  Looking forward to an event can brighten your mood: a weekend trip, a party, a sporting event, reading a nice book or watching a movie under the warm covers.

*Embrace the winter season.  Make the best out of what it has to offer – skiing, skating, sledding, building snow men, making snow angels.  If you don’t let winter bother you, your spirits will be brighter!