Monthly Archives: May 2013

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

Many of our au pairs from the greater Boston area participated in our annual May regional event, The Walk for Hunger. Many of them walked the whole course of 20 miles: from Boston through Brookline, Newton, Cambridge and back to Boston.  CONGRATULATIONS!  And thanks to Boston counselor Heike Kriszun for organizing!

The weather was perfect despite some early morning chill.

To walk for a good cause and to have family and friends sponsoring them is an American tradition and new to many au pairs who come from so many different countries to experience the American way of life.  With this walk, our au pairs raised more then we expected to help the hungry in Massachusetts.

Many more pix can be seen at : Walk for Hunger 2013

Coffee Meeting at my house

Early this month I decided to spontaneously add an extra meeting to connect more with my au pairs.   The summer is coming and I have to do a lot of year end business with au pairs that are leaving.   It was nice to have the extra time to do this.  It was also nice for those of au pairs whose schedule prevents them to come to some of the evening meetings.   Some au pairs came with their children and it was nice to watch them interact.