Tag Archives: Arlington

Au Pairs practice self-defense

 

 

Our November cluster meeting was a self-defense course at Together in Motion in East Arlington.  2 other clusters joined us.

Through a mixture of lecture and exercises, au pairs learned how to be more aware of potential aggressors and how to deter them.

For more photos go to self-defense 2016.

International Potluck Dinner

 

In September, we met at my apartment for an international potluck dinner.  It was amazing to see all the different foods of the world! My whole kitchen was filled with wonderful smells and sights. I wish I had taken picture of it.

We welcomed a few more new au pairs who enjoyed getting to know other au pairs. During this meeting, we also discussed a childcare topic. This month’s topic was “Childcare in your country” and we discussed cultural differences in childcare and issues that have come up for my au pairs as a result of it.

For more photos, go to September 2016.

Au Pairs celebrate Valentine’s Day

This month we had a Valentine’s meeting at my house. We had a great turnout for a weekday night. We enjoyed Valentine’s treats and au pairs had a great time connecting with each other.

During this meeting, we welcomed new au pairs Chura and Sarah. We also discussed taxes which can feel daunting to au pairs.

For more photos of our meeting, go to Valentine’s 2016

Halloween Meeting

 

In October, this witch invited her au pairs to a Halloween gathering at her house. Unfortunately, all of her au pairs had not gone costume shopping yet.  🙁  We still had a good time, though.

Au pairs enjoyed Halloween foods and drinks as well as each other’s company.  We welcomed Nike and Lena to our cluster and said good-bye to Fernanda, who will go back to Brazil.  For more photos go to Halloween.

Au Pair Breakfast

 

In May, we gathered at my apartment for a breakfast meeting.  Those au pairs that have little children were welcome to bring them along, so we had a few little guests that got everybody’s attention.

This month we said good-bye to Agata and Djamila who are finished with their year in June.  We had a lively discussion about different au pair matters.  We also had our quarterly childcare/safety meeting and talked about summer safety.

For more photos, go to May Breakfast

 

Au Pairs do yoga

This month, we met at Together in Motion in Arlington to practice yoga together.  Au pairs seemed to have a good time doing so.

Afterwards, we had some time to chat and connect.  We said good-bye to Erika who is going back to Italy, and we welcomed Marketa from the Czech Republic.  It is nice to see how my au pairs use these meetings to connect with each other.  Au pairs also check in with me about issues that come up for them.

For more photos, go to Yoga 2015

Au Pairs Celebrate the Holidays at ArtLounge in Arlington, MA

 

In December, we joined another local au pair cluster and celebrated the holiday season at ArtLounge in Arlington.

Au Pairs had a chance to mingle, listen to holiday music and enjoy refreshments.  They also participated in a fun Yankee Swap.

Half way through the evening, an artist came in to lead those who chose to paint through the steps of creating their own painting.  It was interesting to observe how each au pair put her personal touch to the painting.

 

 

 

 

 

For more photos of our celebration, go to Holiday Party.

Au Pair Breakfast

In May, we congregated at my house for breakfast.  It was a beautiful day and we could sit outside in the backyard. Some au pairs even brought their children along.  These meetings at my house are always a great opportunity for au pairs to sit together, bond, and talk about their lives as au pairs.

The meeting provided a wonderful opportunity for me to check in with each of them to see how they are doing.   We also took care of some end of the year business by discussing their last meetings and providing me with proof of their education.

We said good-bye to Yann Ling who will leave us soon to go back to Malaysia.  We also said good-bye to Kathrin who moved to Connecticut.

For more photos please visit May Breakfast

Au Pairs participate in yoga class

In March, we met at Together in Motion for a yoga class taught by me.  11 au pairs participated and we had a good class.

Afterwards, we gathered for some food and discussions.  Taxes were still a big topic as tax day is April 15, and we discussed that in detail.   We also had our quarterly childcare/safety meeting and discussed host family expectations with regard to electronics use and engaging children in activities.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures!