Monthly Archives: December 2010

Boston area au pairs celebrate the holiday season

This week, five counselors from the Boston area organized a multi-cluster holiday party for their au pairs.   There was plenty of food (each attendee brought a contribution, many from different countries),  holiday singing, a visit from Santa and a fun gift exchange game.

German au pairs singing

German au pairs singing

This party truly represented the spirit of Au Pair in America’s cultural exchange program.  Au Pairs talked about their traditions, brought in food from their countries, listened to American holiday songs and sang songs in their own language.

For more photos of this party please go to Holiday Party 2010.                                                         Check out our holiday singing at   Au Pairs singing holiday songs

Gingerbread Recipe

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.

Education


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

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