Yearly Archives: 2012

How to get your Host Children to lend a hand!

great-job

I was recently was visiting with a good friend and commented on the chore and behavior charts she have posted in her family room. With four kids, she found it can be difficult to keep track of who has done what and who had gained or lost various privileges. So, over the years, she has used various charts to keep everything on track. She have also created charts for host families and au pairs dealing with behavior the children may be having.

She forwarded this information for me to pass along to help you work with your host families and the children.

Having chores teaches children that they are an important part of the family and their efforts count. This teaches responsibility and promotes positive self-esteem.
Blank Chore Chart
Chore Chart with Basic Chores

June 6 is National Applesauce Cake Day

Here’s a recipe for a healthy and delicious snack to make with the children

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 cup flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Mix first sugar and shortening, then add flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix in applesauce and raisins/cranberries. Place in a greased and floured 9 x 13 inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Looking for something to do this weekend?

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Monday, March 12, 2012

You don’t need to know how to play the bagpipes to enjoy a little luck o’ the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day. Just head down to New York City for the 251st marching of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Lead by Grand Marshall Francis X. Comerford, the Chief Revenue Officer and President of Commercial Operations for NBC owned television stations, the parade will march up Fifth Ave. from 44th St. starting at 11 a.m.  Bring your family and your friends and show your support for New York’s finest and American veterans everywhere.

Parade details are here.

New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 17
Kicks off at Fifth Ave and 44th St.
11 AM

 

Monday, February 20th, President’s Day, A National Holiday

School is closed on this day. President’s Day is a Federal holiday created to commemorate the births of former Presidents George Washington (Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12). Throughout America, Presidents’ Day is observed by big sales in the stores, closed schools and no mail delivery.

Things to do with children: The United States has had more than 40 presidents. How many can the children name? Who has been president during their lifetime? Take a look at American coins and bills; who are the Presidents pictured on each coin and bill.

Au Pair in America on Wall Street Journal Online

Click here to read the post on the Wall Street Journal website

Check out this post on the Wall Street Journal online.

It’s written by reporter, John J. Edwards III and he talks about his thought process in deciding to hire an au pair. He is planning to post updates as he continues in the process of becoming a host family.