The Holidays should be a time of joy and excitement. From our experience, we have noticed they can also be a time of stress and disappointment for Host Families and Au Pairs. We would like to offer some ideas and insights that we hope can broaden everyone’s understanding. Homesickness First, let’s face the issue of Read More
HAPPY HANUKKAH
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most joyous times of the Jewish year. The reason for the celebration is twofold (both dating back to c. 165 BC and the miraculous military victory of the small, ill-equipped Jewish army over the ruling Greek Syrians, who had banned the Jewish religion and Read More
THANKSGIVING
Time for Family & Friends In The United States Thanksgiving tradition began in 1621 after the first harvest by the Pilgrims who came from England. New York was the first state to celebrate Thanksgiving in 1817 and in 1863 it became an official holiday. Thanksgiving is generally seen as a time to get together with Read More
HALLOWEEN IS COMING OCTOBER 31st !
HALLOWEEN FUN AND SAFETY! History – Halloween, celebrated each year on October 31, is a mix of ancient Celtic practices, Catholic and Roman religious rituals and European folk traditions that blended together over time to create the holiday we know today. Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity and life and death, Halloween is Read More
First Day of Fall – September 22nd
Fall is a magical time of year! The leaves change colors, the air is crisp and cool and Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner. Try it to get in the mood for fall! When the crisp fall air invites you outside for a walk gather some brightly colored leaves. Press them in Read More
Labor Day
What is this Holiday – Labor Day? The first Monday of September is known as Labor Day in The United States of America. It is a holiday very similar to May Day, as it honours the achievements of workers. But unlike May Day, which is a tribute to working class only, Labor Day is Read More
BACK TO SCHOOL
It is that time of year again when students of all ages get ready for the first day of school. Here are some tips to assist with the “back to school” transition and hopefully great start to the new school year. MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER Remind your child that she is not the only Read More
Top Ten – How to Manage Longer Days with Children – When School is out and APs should always check with their host parents to seek approval for any childcare activities. 10. Start A Summer Scrapbook! Include drawings, pictures, and journal entries of activities from the summer. It will be special because children and Read More
EARTH DAY
Mobilize the Earth. Earth Day. 4.22.15 On April 22, more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day 2012 and help Mobilize the Earth™. People of all nationalities and backgrounds will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its protection. Together we will stand united for a sustainable future and Read More
Believe it or not! Spring is here!
Easter Eggs: Bee Egg With this project, kids blow an egg, then turn it into a flying wonder. All you need is a raw egg, paint, craft supplies, and fishing line for hanging the egg. The best part? This blown-egg creature will keep indefinitely. Materials eggs newsprint egg dye paper towels birthday candles or crayons Read More