If you want to visit Baltimore but are worried about driving, the MARC train is a great option. Here is some information on how you can enjoy visiting Baltimore via public transportation. Prices and info are accurate as of January 16, 2023. Please check the links to verify prices and schedules before you Read More
Creating Ice Lanterns & Wreaths
With winter break and the longest nights of the year approaching, try a magical project that will wow your entire family – ice lanterns and wreaths. Depending on the ages of your children, decide if a simple or more labor intensive project is in order. For the younger ones, try filling a balloon up Read More
Card Games for Kids of All Ages
I have wonderful memories of playing cards as a young child. I was captivated as a 4-year-old when I first learned to play Fish. The way my older cousin shuffled the deck seemed like magic. And then there was the overwhelming anticipation followed by horror if I unknowingly selected the Old Maid from the Read More
Preparing for Cold Weather
We’re at that time of year when temperatures in the District start dropping a bit. It can be 70°F (21°C) one day and 40°F (4°C) the next. With this fickle weather, many people begin to opt for indoor activities instead of outdoor ones. But there may be times when COVID case numbers are high and Read More
Poison Prevention and Treatment
When we think of dangerous poisons, items like rat poisoning or insecticides often come to mind. But according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), the vast majority of poisoning cases involve common medications or household products – items that we use every day. Managing an incident of potential Read More
Educational Apps that will Excite Everyone
Looking for some new ways to take in the great outdoors? Here are 3 free phone apps that will make a walk in the park no less than exciting. Merlin Bird Call will help you to identify every bird you hear or see. PictureThis – Plant Identifier does an awesome job at identifying each Read More
Stopping for School Busses
With schools in session and many new au pairs who have recently arrived, I wanted to remind everyone about what to do in different situations with school buses. If you have questions, please ask me or your host parents. The rules regarding stopping for school buses are: It is against the law to pass a Read More
Going Unplugged During Work Hours
Phones, tablets, and laptops are wonderful tools to stay connected and informed, but we need to be careful not to let them become distractions from real-life interactions and most importantly our responsibilities. Au Pairs – Imagine for a moment that you went to the hospital and you were in the care of doctors and nurses. How Read More
Make Your Own Ice Cream
Making your own ice cream is a fun summer activity to do with the kids. Here is a simple recipe. You can change it up by adding a little chocolate syrup, a few chocolate chips, or using a flavoring other than vanilla. In a quart size zipper baggie, combine… 1 cup of whole milk or Read More
Preventing Dehydration in Hot Weather
Dehydration means that the body lacks the necessary amount of fluid. Infants and small children are more likely to become dehydrated than older children or adults, because they can lose relatively more fluid quickly. Here are some steps to take to make sure children remain hydrated in the summer months: Encourage your child to drink Read More