Tag Archives: Not-Me

Au Pairs learn about self-defense

This month we joined another cluster for a self-defense class with “Not Me” (www.not-me.org) .   We gathered at Panera Bread in Lexington.   Au pairs learned that healthy boundary setting is the first step toward defending yourself.   Presenters Erik, Lisa and Melissa talked about their own experiences with boundary setting and talked au pairs through situations they might encounter.   It was helpful to hear the signals we give to others unknowingly that indicate if we are an easy target or not.

We also discussed summer safety with children of different ages.  This is an important component of the au pair program that aims at providing safe, quality childcare to our host families.

After the class, we said good-bye to Natalia who finishes her year next month and will go back to Costa Rica.  We also said good-bye to Dennis who is moving to another Boston cluster.  Good luck with your future endeavors!

For more photos, please go to Self-Defense

Au Pairs visit self defense class in Arlington

This month, our au pair group visited “Not-Me” in East Arlington, where owner Erik Kondo held a “Beyond Awareness – Physical Assertiveness for the Street”  self-defense class.  The class focused mainly on non-physical aspects of self-defense, like the decision not to be a victim, situational awareness, one’s attitudes and appearance,  assertiveness, body language, boundary setting, and steps on how to de-escalate an aggressive situation.   Erik and his assistants took us through potential aggressive situations and we got to practice strategies that we had discussed earlier.

This month’s meeting satisfies the State Department mandated quarterly childcare/safety meeting.   It also supports Au Pair in America’s high standard for safety.   Erik’s strategies can be applied to every day life and hopefully most of us will find ourselves remembering some of the things he taught us to keep ourselves and others safe.

We even made it onto the “Not-Me” blog.  Check it out at Not-Me.

For more pictures of our meeting please visit Au Pair Self Defense