Do  you  suspect  that  your  au  pair  might   be  experiencing  Culture  Shock?    

Some telltale signs of culture shock are:

• Preoccupation with minor physical discomforts
• Anger over minor frustrations
• A desire to go back home
• Disturbed sleep patterns – too much or too little
• Changes in mood or behavior such as anger, irritability, resentment, or a persistent preference to be alone
• Idealizing your home country
• Inability to solve simple problems
• Lack of confidence
• Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused

Immunity to culture shock does not necessarily come from being open-minded or full of good will (essential characteristics for a successful au pair), though these qualities do help with a speedy recovery. Some people are affected by culture shock more than others, but most au pairs go through an attack of it and then make a full recovery.

Read   more   about   this   discussion  on   the     following   APIA  website:            http://www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/culture_shock.asp

 

 

  Did  you  ever  consider  taking  the  children  bowling?    The  AMF  Bowling  Center  in  nearby  Centreville,  VA   has  many   programs,  some  of  which  include  children  bowling.   It  also  offers  discounts:   http://www.amf.com/corporate/index.