Author Archives: Shana Wiswell

Handling Expenses

Host parents often ask for suggestions on how best to handle common expenses that occur as au pairs are caring for the children.

Miscellaneous Expenses

There are different ways to handle the little day to day expenses that come up.  Things like when an au pair takes the kids out for ice cream or picks up a gallon of milk.  Some families keep a cookie jar fund, a little cash that they set aside weekly or monthly for these types of expenses. Others give their au pair a prepaid debit card for this purpose. Below are some suggestions for avoiding problems with expenses.

Host Families

  • It’s important to be clear about how long this money should last and what types of expenses are approved.
  • Let the au pair know whether or not you expect receipts.

Au Pairs

  • Only spend the money on approved expenses.
  • If it is something you are not sure about, ask first.
  • Put your receipts in the cookie jar in place of the money to avoid any confusion.

Gas and Fare Cards 

Host families are responsible for the au pair’s transportation costs: to and from classes, cluster meetings and when driving the kids.

It is a good idea to figure out how much gas an au pair will use for these trips and either put gas in the car or give a gas allowance.   If your au pair is riding to classes or cluster meetings with another au pair, you should offer to share the cost of gas.

Au pairs are responsible for their own transportation at all other times.  You should replace the amount of gas used for personal use.

Photo: Andrea Travillian

Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22 ~ Washington’s actual day of birth ~ the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for American workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.
To see a listing of all U.S. presidents go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents. Click on each president to find out who they were and what they achieved during their presidency. Most American school children have to learn their presidents, this is a great site to go through with them and test their knowledge

Ground Hog Day

February 2 – Ground Hog Day

Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to wake up on February 2, and come up out of his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and is called “Phil.” Though not based in science, it is a fun US tradition.

The movie, starring Bill Murray is hilarious!

Connecticut Open House Day June 14th, 2014

Connecticut Open House Day – June 14, 2014

Connecticut Open House Day – June 14, 2014. Connecticut residents are invited to discover – and rediscover – the state’s exciting arts, history and tourism offerings with a variety of special incentives, such as discounted or free admission, free gifts or special exhibits and activities during the 10th Annual Open House Day on June 14, 2014.

Open House Day is a great way for you to experience all the state has to offer and to encourage you to become Connecticut Ambassadors who take pride in sharing your new discoveries with visiting family and friends. The annual event is coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Economic & Community Development.

http://www.ctvisit.com/dontmiss/details/2322

Fairfield, CT Celebrates 375th Anniversary in 2014

Fairfield, CT was founded in 1639. The Fairfield Museum will be at the forefront of the celebration with a major exhibition, Creating Community: Exploring 375 Years of Our Past, as well as a long list of new exhibits, programs, and special events which will appeal to all ages. Admission will be FREE to the Fairfield Museum on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout 2014.
Fairfield Museum and History Center
370 Beach Road, Fairfield CT 06824
Phone: 203-259-1598
Fax: 203-255-2716
Open Daily 10am – 4pm
The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day