About Au Pair in America

Au Pair in America is the nation's first legal au pair program. Since 1986, we have provided the best child care opportunities to host families across the US and au pairs from around the world.

Useful Info for Host Families

Forms and information needed by Host Families throughout the year.

Thanksgiving – What is it and why is it celebrated?

Posted by Victoria Paton on Nov 13, 2011 No Comments
What is the History of Thanksgiving in United Starockwelltes?

The initial “Thanksgiving” feast, held in 1621, was really a traditional English harvest celebration. The Pilgrims shared it with the Native Americans because they had taught the colonists to plants crops and hunt wild game. Without the Native Americans, the Pilgrims may not have survived the harsh winter and been able to celebrate their first harvest of plentiful crops in the New World. The colonists’ first harvest feast lasted for three days. Food was served all at once, instead of in courses, so people ate whatever they pleased in the order that they desired. The more important members at the feast were given the best pieces of meat, while the rest of the diners ate whatever was closest to them. Since the Pilgrims didn’t use forks or plates, they ate their meal straight off the table with spoons, knives or their fingers. They used large napkins to wipe their hands and also wrapped it around food when it was too hot to hold.

Nowadays, the day before the third Thursday of the month is the busiest travel day of the year (even more than Christmas). In America people of all religions, races etc. celebrate this holiday and they bring to it the foods that they enjoy at celebrations from their home countries. Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, stuffing, cranberry sauce are all traditional parts of a current Thanksgiving meal. It is a very important occasion for families to gather together from all over the country.

A fun movie to rent at this time of year is “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” a comedy about a man trying to get home for his Thanksgiving meal. Lots of laughs.

Au Pairs please note: While host parents and other workers are off for the day, it is NOT an Au Pair holiday off of work unless an Au Pair is given that day off by the Host Family…Au Pairs are to help the family in whatever way is needed as it is a busy day but, more importantly, Au Pairs should be part of this very American holiday! This may be your only time to join in a true American Thanksgiving!  Enjoy.
– Victoria Paton

Thanksgiving story Posted by Silga Vasilevsky on N765e_turkey1ov 5, 2 009
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Winter 2010 Parenting Courses for Au Pairs and Host Families with YMCA

Posted by Victoria Paton on Dec 16, 2009 No Comments

parentinglogo2 Below is the Winter Schedule for parenting courses offered by the YMCA at various nearbyl locations.

These topics may be useful for parents, au pairs  or YMCA1both. Many classes are free of charge! These courses are for  information/education only and do not count toward the APIA education requirements.

To sign up for courses please contact: Pam Mintz Parenting Education Coordinator; Call (301) 229-1347 or email:  parenting@ymcadc.org or www.ymcadc.org

Dealing with a Strong Willed Child

Do you sometimes feel your child is more determined, more sensitive, more argumentative, more volatile than others?  Come and learn how to turn these strong characteristics into positive attributes and make day to day family living more tranquil.

Monday, January 11  7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free.  Donations appreciated.   Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring

Ten Reasons Children Don’t Succeed… and Eleven Things Parents Can Do

Come to this parenting skills workshop to discover common pitfalls of parenting that deprive children of the opportunity to succeed with daily tasks of living.  Parents will learn strategies for helping kids become more confident, courageous, capable and caring.

Wednesday, January 20, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free. Donations appreciated.     Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Rd., Bethesda

Parenting Without Threats and Bribes

Parenting tools will be the focus of this how-to workshop.  While the use of rewards and threats in disciplining may be effective in controlling behavior in the immediate situation, over time it can decrease mutual respect in the relationship.  Come learn alternative approaches.

Tuesday, January 26, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Free.  Donations appreciated.   Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda

Choosing, Making and Keeping Friends

Parents will learn how to help their child assess social situations, strategize ways to have more positive interactions, recognize and read social cues, and feel better about him or herself.

Monday, February 1, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.   Free. Donations appreciated.   Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac

Words:  Parenting Classes

Parenting Children

Parents will learn to identify the purposes of a child’s misbehavior and develop effective discipline and encouragement strategies for positively redirecting these behaviors.  Skills include: Developing effective consequences, structuring choices, and ending power struggles.   Required text, available first night: $20; class fee: $30.

Wednesdays, Feb 3 – March 10, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center, 5650 Oakmont Ave., Bethesda

Parenting Teens

A down-to-earth and practical way to meet the challenges of raising teenagers.  The group discussion format teaches skills to help improve parent/teen relations; develop teen self-esteem and self-reliance; and promote responsible teen behavior at home, school and in the community.  Required text, available first night: $20; class fee: $30.

Tuesdays, February 2 – March 9, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.    YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center, 5650 Oakmont Ave., Bethesda

Family Anger Issues

This class will help parents understand their own and their family members’ intense feelings.  Topics include:

·          Parent-child issues:  power struggles and emotional outbursts

·          Child-child issues:  sibling rivalry, dealing with conflicts.

·          Looking for patterns and creating strategies for change

·          Prevention strategies:  trigger thoughts, temperament issues

Required text, available first night: $20; class fee: $30.

Tuesdays, February 2 – March 9, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.   Silver Spring YMCA, Child Development Ctr. 9800 Hastings Drive, Silver Spring

Improving Communication Skills for Couples

Working together as a team is a challenge for many couples.  We will learn from volunteer couples who have agreed to share the challenges and successes in their relationships.  This class will demonstrate ways to improve listening skills, increase mutual respect and stimulate playful and joyful interaction through an open forum marriage demonstration.   Class fee: $30.

Thursdays, February 4 – Feb 25, 7:00—8:30 p.m.  United Church of Christ, 9525 Colesville Road, Silver Spring

It’s easy to register on line.  Go to www.ymcadc.org.  Click on the Easy Enroll Icon and search by our branch:  YMCA Youth & Family Services

Pam Mintz Parenting Education Coordinator YMCA Youth & Family Services 7425 MacArthur Blvd Cabin John, MD  20818 301-229-1347

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