Photo: krojotak.com
This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Dinosaurs.
Crafts, recipes, activities, and games related to dinosaurs can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Dinosaurs pinboard. Continue reading
Camp Au Pair Week #3: Dinosaurs
Monthly Archives: June 2019
Camp Au Pair Week #2 – Space
Photo: alittlepinchofperfect.com
This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Outer Space.
Crafts, recipes, activities and games related to outer space can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Outer Space pinboard. Continue reading
10 Tips for Summer Safety
Photo: Scott97006 (Flickr)
- Remember to bring along drinks, especially water. Try to get children to drink water every 20 minutes when they are outside in hot weather.
- Pay attention to surfaces that can be hot against children’s skin, such as metal slides and other playground equipment in the sun.
- Safety around water is particularly important. A child can drown in just a few inches of water. Whenever you are near water you must never leave a child alone – if the phone rings, take them with you or let it ring! Always stay within arm’s reach when the children are in or near water.
- Young babies should be kept out of direct sunlight. Keep the baby in the shade or under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy.
- Dress babies in lightweight clothing and use brimmed hats.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, even if it appears overcast (cloudy).
- Try to keep children out of the sun in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.
- Learn what poison ivy looks like and keep children out of it. A good rule to teach the children is “leaves of three, let it be.”
- Use insect repellent spray to keep away mosquitos and ticks. Ask your host parents before applying.
- Check for ticks when you bring children in from playing outside, especially if you’ve been in tall grass or the woods.
Camp Au Pair Week #1: Under the Sea
Photo: mimisdollhouse.com
We are going to kick off Camp Au Pair with the Under the Sea theme.
Crafts, recipes, activities and games related to creatures who live under the sea can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Under the Sea pinboard. Continue reading
Summer Fun for DC Kids
Image: anokarina (Flickr)
When the kids are out of school on summer break there are soooo many possibilities. But, if you don’t make plans, you will often end up in the house with bored kids getting into trouble and arguing with their siblings.
Head off the summer doldrums by making plans! Having lots of ideas ready can minimize those problems. In need of some ideas to keep the kids entertained this summer? Here’s a roundup of ideas designed to keep whining to a minimum and help you make a summer you’ll all remember!*
- APIA’s Pinterest boards have oodles of suggestions. The Summer Fun pinboard is a great place to start.
- Help your host kids create a Summer Bucket List. Talk with the kids about things they would like to see and do. Even toddlers and preschoolers can contribute to the conversation.
- Camp Au Pair in America: a blog series with weekly ideas for the entire summer break.
- If you’re working with older host kids, be sure to read Big Kids Need Interaction Too for lots of great ideas on engaging your host kids.
- DC’s Public Libraries have lots of great summer programs for kids. Click here for more information on how to get your library card and upcoming events.
- Life in DC is a comprehensive list of all of the many blogs, people, places, and activities that make living in DC so wonderful.
KidFriendly DC
- Where to Play on the Weekdays and The Weekend Round-Up are updated weekly with suggestions on local events and fun places to take the kids.
- Seasonal suggestions also include the 2019 KFDC Guide to Best of Summer in DC and Live Entertainment on Stages around the DMV this Summer
Our Kids
- Don’t miss this comprehensive list of the DC area’s local seasonal activities.
- Wondering if it’s worth taking the kids to one of the many local happenings? Read the reviews before you go!
Tiny Beans
- The Family Events Calendar is a great source for events.
- 100 Awesome Things to Do in DC with Kids This Summer
- This Big Awesome List of Sumer Activities helps prevent the dreaded phrase “I’m bored.”
- DC’s Must-See Summer Concerts for Families
- 30 Things to Do with Kids in DC This Summer
- Looking for some relief from the sun? Here are 7 Local Playgrounds with Tons of Shade.
- Beat the Heat: Your Summer Sprayground Guide
*Discuss these plans and ideas with your host parents before embarking on a new adventure. You need to clear things like how much you money you may spend, how far you will be traveling, and when is best to do some of these activities.