This month, we met at Together in Motion in Arlington to practice yoga together. Au pairs seemed to have a good time doing so.
Afterwards, we had some time to chat and connect. We said good-bye to Erika who is going back to Italy, and we welcomed Marketa from the Czech Republic. It is nice to see how my au pairs use these meetings to connect with each other. Au pairs also check in with me about issues that come up for them.
For more photos, go to Yoga 2015
In February, we gathered at my house for Valentine’s Treats. Au pairs shared stories about the significance of Valentine’s Day in their countries and things they might do to celebrate it. At this meeting, we welcomed Justine who joined us from another cluster.
We also talked about how to file taxes. This is something that au pairs are required to do. Although it is a fairly easy process, it can be daunting when you are from a different country and have never done it before.
For more photos go to Valentine’s Photos.
This January, we joined other Boston area clusters for some night time snowtubing at Nashoba Valley. Au pairs had a good time on the slopes as well as in the lodge. Counselors provided hot chocolate and snacks.
We said good-bye to Alita and Aurore who are finished with their au pair year. We welcomed new au pair Vanessa to our group.
For more photos, go to snowtubing 2015
In December, we joined another local au pair cluster and celebrated the holiday season at ArtLounge in Arlington.
Au Pairs had a chance to mingle, listen to holiday music and enjoy refreshments. They also participated in a fun Yankee Swap.
Half way through the evening, an artist came in to lead those who chose to paint through the steps of creating their own painting. It was interesting to observe how each au pair put her personal touch to the painting.
For more photos of our celebration, go to Holiday Party.
For our November cluster meeting, make-up artist Barbora, one of our au pairs, offered to do other au pairs’ makeup. It was nice to see her at work and see faces transformed by her art.
At this meeting, I provided a handout about child safety and we discussed the different ways of keeping the children safe.
We also welcomed Vanessa, who arrived from Germany that month.
For more photos, go to November 2014
In October, we got together at my house for some pumpkin carving and Halloween treats. It is a nice cultural experience as Halloween is not celebrated in all countries. Some au pairs had fun fun dressing up. We had a chance to welcome Soraya to our cluster and say good-bye to Bee and Asia who are going home in November.
For more photos go to October 2014
In September, our cluster meeting was at my house for a breakfast. The weather was nice and we were able to sit outside. We said hello to some more summer arrivals and it was nice to see them connect with the other au pairs.
for more photos go to September 2014.
Once or twice a year, Au Pair in America counselors offer a host family workshop that gives host families the chance to connect and discuss aspects of the host family – au pair relationship. This is in compliance with State Department regulations to hold an event like this once a year.
This year, I joined 3 other counselors we met our host families on a beautiful day at Honeypot Hill Orchards in Stow, MA for an apple picking picnic. Many au pairs attended as well. We enjoyed conversations, apple cider donuts and apple cider. Host children participated in cookie decorating and fall craft activities.
For more photos go to host family day 2014
On a beautiful day in August, our au pair cluster went to Nahant beach. It was nice for the summer arrivals to meet each other and more seasoned au pairs. It helps them adapt more easily after they have left their families and friend network to come to a new country.
We welcomed Laura B, Laura L, Victoria, Shiran, and Jaqueline. We said good-bye to Tifaine who moved to another host family.
For more photos, visit beach 2014
This month, we met at my house for a barbecue. Since it is summer, there were many good-byes and some hellos. We said good-bye to Melissa, Tazmyn, Natalia, Audrey, Liz and Priscilla. Good luck to you all with your future endeavors! We said hello to Londeka and Miriam, who had just arrived to the area that week. It was nice to see them start making connections with other au pairs. They also benefited from advice and feedback from the more seasoned au pairs.
For more photos, go to July Barbecue.
