Category Archives: Blog

Welcome to Camp Au Pair in America!

When kids are out of school for the summer, it doesn’t take long for them to become bored and sometimes that leads to sibling squabbles and mischief. Even though they don’t realize it, they are usually missing routine and predictability in their daily schedule. One solution is to make fun plans to keep them busy! 

Each week this summer we will share a different Camp Au Pair theme. These weekly themes are designed to give you ideas to keep your host kids occupied and engaged all summer long. They will also be learning. (But shhhh, don’t tell them that part.) Check back each Friday, for the next week’s theme. This gives you a chance to make plans and gather materials for the next week. For each theme there will be crafts, games, snacks and activities. You can just use these ideas or add your own and customize the themes to fit the ages and interests of your host children.

Here are the themes you can look forward to:

  • Nature Exploration
  • Art Experiences
  • Under the Sea
  • Science (STEM)
  • Bugs & Butterflies
  • Cars and Trucks
  • Backyard Safari
  • Dinosaurs
  • Explore the World
  • Outer Space
  • Pirate Adventures
  • Princesses & Knights

Check out Summer Fun & Summer Holidays pin boards for even more ideas.

If you get some great pictures doing these activities with your host kids, please send those to your community counselor. We love to share your accomplishments and inspire other au pairs!

Let’s make this an amazing summer!

Family Emergency Preparedness

September is Emergency Preparedness Month and a great time to update your family’s emergency plan. Here are other good things you can do to prepare for the unexpected:

  1. Review my Emergency Preparedness presentation of natural disasters that can affect us here in Southern California
  2. Download Los Angeles County’s Emergency Survival Guide 
  3. Share your family’s emergency plan with your Au Pair and provide tips on how she can practice the plan with the children.

Connecting with the World Around You – Virtually

Connecting with the World Around You – Virtually!

Maybe this isn’t the year you thought it would be in the United States, but you can still explore areas of interest, new ideas and expand you mind from a safe location.  Below are some great ideas – many of them “tried and true” that can get your brain moving, provide opportunities to learn about U.S. culture, and maybe even inspire you!

Volunteer!

  • OnlineVolunteering.org – United Nations Volunteers; all online; opportunities include translation, art & design, writing & editing, teaching, research, advocacy, and more.
  • TranslatorsWithoutBorders.org – provide translations
  • Smithsonian Digital Volunteers – si.edu/volunteer/DigitalVolunteers – online volunteer opportunities include transcription and correcting / updating Wikipaedia entries
  • Zooniverse.org – some very cool research projects you can do online; check out the language projects!
  • ReadingPartners.org – once accepted to the program, serve as reading support for a child
  • VolunteerMatch.com – search for posted volunteer opportunities

Free Classes of Interest

  • VarsityTutors.com
  • EDx.org
  • Coursera.org
  • FutureLearn.com

 

View Online 

No free trials, just download the app and watch something new! All clips or short content in a wide variety of topics.  Totally FREE!

  • Smithsonian (app)
  • History Channel (app)
  • PBS SoCal: (public television for all https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/
  • FreeCableTV (app) – Full television shows, including news

Virtual Tourism

  • TripAdvisor.com United States Virtual Tour https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-c55689/United-States:Virtual.Tour.html
  • GlassTire.com – 5 minute tours of art museums in Texas
  • VirtualYosemite.org – interactive virtual tourism at one of our greatest National Parks
  • VirtualVisitTours.com – 360o views of Ireland’s vacation destinations
  • BBC.co.uk – aerial views of Scotland
  • GoogleArts&Culture (App) art and commentary at museums all over the world

Go for a Drive or a Hike – IRL

  • CaliforniaThroughMyLens.com
  • DiscoverTheForest.org

 

How to engage children in play

Children need to have physical activity and brain-developing activities every day. 1 It helps them to grow into smart and socially acceptable adults.  The process of play is the important part, not the end result 3

Learning through Play involves an active, alert, but not-stressed framed of mind. 3 Children must have the opportunity to play and learn in a place where they feel secure and without the fear of failure.  This state of mind allows them to learn new skills. 3

Why engage them?

Meaningful activities build the child’s knowledge, help them learn to interact appropriately, and become more social. 1 Activities like reading and playing develop imagination and creativity and also help in developing brain function. 1 By engaging children, you can easily increase their ability to focus and concentrate. 1

Engaging children in play allows them to explore, identify a sense of self, and create meaning – it can help shape the brain, by creating pathways in the brain. Children who practice meaningful play are more likely to have good memory, strong language and to regulate their own behavior. 3

How can I engage them?

Listening to their developmental status and their interests is important.  When adults model behavior, children learn how to act (such as being polite and trying again). 1

Your interest in their activities, and your comments will help your children use toys productively and learn as they play 4  You can mimic their behavior and create new ways to play as you work alongside the children. 4 Asking questions helps children get started (such as: “Oh, that fell down, didn’t it? Can you put it back on top?”) 4  Ask open-ended questions to encourage the child to think more and express ideas (such as “Why do you think that happened?” Instead of “Did you think that would happen?”)2

Focus on your child’s particular strengths and find a way to use them in the play activities so they can feel successful.  3 Keep activities simple by using only a few rules, or break down the steps into smaller pieces of information, then model or show the child how to participate in the activity. 3 Use the type of play that the child enjoys to build confidence and self-esteem before trying something new. 3

Different Types of Play

In Constructive Play children experiment with objects in their environment (like blocks or sand) to create new things. This is important for children to become empowered and have a sense of control.  3

Movement Play, such as dance or climbing, teaches children to think in motion. 3

Social Play allows children to interact and learn social rules such as sharing, give and take, reasoning, and relationships with others. § You can model behavior for the child or tell him what to say.

Imaginative Play allows children to try out new roles and scenarios, so they can exercise problem solving, use new language, and express different emotions in a safe environment. 3 You don’t need to have many children together to do this, you can be the pirate while the child is the princess.  Imaginative pretend play encourages children to act out scenarios in their world, such as taking on the role of a doctor or patient, a restaurant waiter or customer, or a shopper in a grocery store. 4

With what activities can I engage them?

  • Play Pretend based on whatever they like (we are looking for dinosaur bones, or we are baking a cake)
  • Build with blocks and talk about what you are building
  • Race toy cars and pretend the cars are alive
  • See who can jump rope or swing a hula-hoop the longest
  • Wash and Sort Vegetables1
  • Paint or draw together (on the same page or side-by-side)
  • Go on a treasure hunt 1
  • Play a board game 1
  • After reading a story, talk about how the story is like their own life 4

References:

1. https://flintobox.com/blog/parenting/ways-engage-children-indoors

2. http://resourcesforearlylearning.org/educators/module/20/7/19/

3. https://www.ptonthenet.com/articles/how-to-engage-children-in-play-time-for-groups-and-individuals-4168

4. https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/support-learning-with-play

For more, including videos about engaging children: http://resourcesforearlylearning.org/educators/module/20/7/20/

 

Flu Shot Reminder

With the weather turning cold and winter fast approaching,  many host parents will ask you to get a Flu Shot to protect you from becoming ill with influenza. The news is reporting that this winter is expected to be a very bad flu season.
While I agree that taking more medicine than is necessary is not a good idea, I am also a strong believer in Flu shots.  My family and I got our Flu shots for the year in September, as we have every year for the past 10 years.
Having the shot will help keep you healthy, but mainly it’s about not exposing the children you care for.  Unfortunately thousands of people in the U.S. still die from the flu every year – usually small children and the elderly. So lets make sure we don’t accidentally infect our little ones!
Unfortunately, your medical insurance doesn’t cover the cost of a flu shot, but most Host Parents are willing to pay the $40 or so that it costs at the local drug store ($20 at Costco if your host family has a membership).  The LA County Public Library offers free flu shots at different locations each week from now through the fall.  And the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website has lots of information about Flu Shots, including low-cost Flu Clinics.

Thrift Shopping

I love thrift shopping!  It’s cheap, green, and far more interesting than shopping in regular stores.  The phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” is magnified when thrift shopping in a foreign country.  Indeed, I still acutely recall the amazing feeling of shopping at London’s open air Camden Market on a free afternoon alone at the age of 18.  What interesting things I found and what I wished I had the space to bring home!

Not long ago I complimented a friend on her thick wool sweater; it contained a pattern Ive never seen before in a combination of colors I never would have thought of.  I assumed it was a vintage designer find and that she’d paid hundreds for it.  She told me that she had gotten it years ago in Iceland for less than $5.  Apparently, in Iceland these sweaters are so ubiquitus that their value is minimal.  But here in California, it’s a unique and special gem.

Below are some thrift shops in the Pasadena area.  I hope that you are able to find some interesting and special items with a history of great karma!

 

Online Thrift Shops:

Thred Up:  https://www.thredup.com/

GoodWill:  https://www.shopgoodwill.com/

ReStitch (a GoodWill Company):  https://www.restitch.com

Posh Mark: https://poshmark.com

 

Local Thrift Shops

Crossroads Trading Company (a favorite)

104 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena

Store Size: large (privately owned for-profit), “award winning” small chain

Kate says: The place to go if you are young and want designer selections!  There is a ton to dig through, but it’s super easy to find cool stuff.  The more vintage and unique is downstairs, with seasonal on the main floor.  If you can only go to one shop, spend the afternoon here!

Ritz Resale (a favorite)

900 Valley View, Pasadena (go north on Michellinda, on the corner of a tiny side street)

Store Size: small (privately owned for-profit)

Kate says: A wonderful little shop for vintage clothing finds!  Sells only women’s fashion (shoes and accessories).  They are heavy on the smaller sizes, but I have found probably half-a-dozen special items that fit.  This is more of an up-scale reused fashions or vintage shop – not like GoodWill.  

Savers (a favorite)

16 East Live Oak Ave, Arcadia, cross street: Santa Anita

Store Size: very large (privately owned for-profit)

Kate says: Savers is a large generic thrift shop with very large selection of clothes.  They also have well sorted bric-a-brac / “stuff,” furniture, sporting goods and a small fabric / sewing /craft supplies section.  If looking for clothes, expect to dig through a lot to find what you want.

Out of the Closet

1726 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena (near Pasadena City College)

Store Size: medium (supports free AIDS testing)

Kate says: This used to be the place to find cool, unique items, but selections have gotten more generic now; you can still find good clothes there as well as furniture and bric-a-brac / “stuff”

Does not sell kids’ items

Wistaria Thrift Shop

550 W Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre

Store Size: tiny (supports the Women’s Club of Sierra Madre)

Store Size: tiny

Kate esays:  Though small, has some interesting items, including craft supplies .  Not open on Wednesdays.

Treasure Fair Thrift Shop

3239 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena (cross street: Sierra Madre Villa)

Store Size: small (supports Assistance League of Pasadena -programs for the underserved)

Kate says:  A great general-purpose thrift shop with a little bit of everything.  Sometimes I make wonderfully surprising finds there and sometimes they have nothing for me. 

ACTS Thrift Store

1311 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena (cross street: Washington)

Store Size: medium (Supports Lake Avenue Community Foundation- programs for the underserved)

Kate says: recently down-sized, they no longer have much in the way of furniture, but bric-a-brac / “stuff” and clothes a-plenty.  If looking for clothes, expect to dig through a lot to find what you want.

Good Will

340 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena

Store Size: large (supports Alcoholics Recovery Services & the underserved)

Kate says: This is what I think of as a generic thrift shop.  You won’t find antiques in here.  If looking for clothes, expect to dig through a lot to find what you want.

Good Will

183 Altadena Dr, Pasadena

Store Size: large (supports Alcoholics Recovery Services & the underserved)

Kate says: This is what I think of as a generic thrift shop.  You won’t find antiques in here.  If looking for clothes, expect to dig through a lot to find what you want.

Bargain Box

64 East Live Oak, Arcadia, cross street: Santa Anita

Store Size: medium (supports Assistance League of Pasadena -programs for the underserved)

Kate says: a good place for “stuff,” though the few clothes seem to be conservative and dated.  Try this place if you don’t find what you are looking for at Savers (around the corner).

The Huntington Collection

100 W. California Blvd., Pasadena (cross street: Fair Oaks)

Store Size: large (supports Huntington Hospital)

Kate says: The place to go for furniture or a lovely tea set.  You might also find dressy shoes, a formal gown or designer coat.  This shop is supported by ladies who lunch, and things are not cheap, though you could make a spectacular vintage find. 

Vintage Treasures & Antiques  340 E Foothill Blvd, Arcadia (between Santa Anita and Fifth)

Store Size: tiny

Kate says: More of an antique shop than thrift store, there isn’t much in the way of clothes, but definitely has many unique accessories. I don’t go here very often, but stop if you are driving by anyway.

Valley Thrift

777 W Foothill Blvd, Azusa (take the 210 freeway east, on Route 66)

Store Size: large (supports Vietnam Veterans of America)

Kate says: a large selection of every-day clothes and shoes, some furniture

If looking for clothes, expect to dig through a lot to find what you want.

 Specialty Thrift Shops

Remainders (for fabric and sewing / crafting supplies)

1713 East Walnut Street, Pasadena

626.533.5129

Habitat for Humanity RE-Store (for home repair or building supplies and furniture)

410 S. Irwindale Ave, Azusa

626.387.6900

Pasadena Arcitectural Salvage (for vintage home items)

2600 E. Foothill Blvd, Pasadena

626.535.9655

I’ve not yet tried, but would like to:

The Big Yard Sale Thrift Store 2110 N Fairoaks Ave, Altadena

Full Circle Thrift

2245 Lake Ave, Altadena

High Low Vintage

1031 East Green Street, Pasadena

LA Road

Eagle Rock

Meowmeowz ?

2423 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena

Uncharted Antiques

27 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena (cross street: Colorado)

De-Cor Antiques

30 So San Gabriel Blvd., Pasadena (cross street: Colorado)

The Bearded Beagle

5926 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles

Hotbox Vintage

1127 Mission Street, South Pasadena

Owl Talk

5060B Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock

More Thrift Shops to the East (of Pasadena):

Vintage Odyssey

201 W Bonita Ave., Claremont, CA 91711

A Lot of Good Thrift

1980 W Foothill Blvd., Upland, CA 91786

ACTS Thrift Store

232 E Foothill Blvd., Pomona, CA 91767

Goodwill

210 East Foothill Blvd., Pomona, CA 91767

2nd Chance Thrift Shop

1028 W 9th St., Upland, CA 91786

 

Happy Lunar New Year!

Lunar New Year begins tomorrow, February 5, and sparks the Year of the Pig.

Lunar New Year is celebrated widely throughout Asia.  It begins on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice and is celebrated until the first full moon of the lunar year, 15 days after the celebrations begin.

Sometimes known as the Spring Festival, traditions include:  visiting family and gathering for meals, especially the New Year’s Eve Feast; gifting children and young adults with special red envelopes containing money; fireworks or lantern displays, accompanied by a Dragon Dance, especially on the last night of celebration.

Individuals born in the Year of the Pig are known for the following traits:

  • Successful, hard-working, responsible, diligent, energetic and enthusiastic
  • Friendly, generous, and compassionate
  • Realistic, calm, sometimes thrifty, though materialistic, and prefer to handle things properly and carefully.

Sharing Cultures: If you’d like  to celebrate Chinese New Year with your host children (or with your Au Pair friends), check out these websites for more information:

  • Chinatown

One of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in the United States!

951 N. Broadway, Los Angeles

Saturday, February 9, 12noon to 8pm, Free!

lagoldendragonparade.com

 

 

  • Pacific Asian Museum

46 N. Robles Ave., Pasadena, In various areas of the museum

Sunday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m., Free!

https://pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu/calendar/details/?event-id=1525835

 

 

  • The Original Farmer’s Market & the Gove LA

click here for flyer

6333 W 3rd St., Los Angeles

Sunday, Feb. 17, 12noon to 5 p.m., Free!

https://www.farmersmarketla.com/

 

Things to do

Do your kids have a long holiday break from school coming up soon?  Looking to get out of the house and do something interesting?  Check out my newly-updated THINGS TO DO List!

Each item listed is a resource to discover up-to-date information regarding goings-on in the area.  You can even select a few of your favorite resources to “sign up” with and you’ll receive their newsletter in your email on a regular basis.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bZWm_N_o-kIY-I__GoIzOHWRwoS0kgRW/view?usp=sharing

If you are one of my Au Pairs, and you are reading this, text me the quote below before January 1st and I’ll send you a USA-themed prize!                 ” Growing and Learning with APIA”

things to do locally v1218

Au Pairs using Global Awareness

Top Ten – 10 Best ways Au Pairs have used Global Awareness in their Communities        (not in any particular order)

  1. Classroom presentations: While it may be daunting to speak in front of a group, not a single au pair has ever come back telling us she did not enjoy it. All of them have had such a positive experience and tell us they wish they had done it sooner. Classroom presentations are the most popular choice for au pairs to share their culture in their community.
  2. Volunteering: Au pairs get exposure and are able to share their experience by helping out at a school, library or any other place in their community. Help them find such opportunities and encourage them to share some of the free materials we have at Global Awareness.
  3. International Days: You or your au pair can ask host parents if their child’s school hosts such an event and can offer to participate by setting up a table with other au pairs. Have them use the Global Awareness provided materials, like the passports and country flag stickers to hand out.
  4. Girl Scout World Thinking Day: If you know a family whose child is participating in WTD, reach out to them and offer to represent some of the countries they have a need for. You can set it up as a marketing event and get reimbursed for some of the expenses you may have to purchase craft materials or food. This could also be your cluster meeting for the month.
  5. Parades or Country Fairs: Community events are another way to represent Global Awareness and expose your au pairs to the American culture.
  6. Host Family Days: Counselors have been offering mini cultural fairs with tables from the many countries represented in their cluster. This is a good way to advertise Global Awareness and encourage your families and au pairs to consider doing the same for their child’s school or classroom.
  7. Birthday Celebrations: We’ve had host families dress up in their au pair’s country folkloric costume to celebrate her birthday but why not have the au pair offer to organize an international themed birthday party for her host children.
  8. Contests: Check out the list in our calendar of contests posted in the Community Counselor Global Awareness handbook www.globalawareness.com/global-awarenesshandbook/ and encourage your au pairs to participate. Besides giving them a chance to win, many of those contests will also help them share their views of the world. It will make them think not just about themselves but about others and it also brings out their sense of creativity. A good balance for an au pair whose main job is to focus on childcare and chores.
  9. Cluster Meetings: So many of our activities revolve around Global Awareness. By doing some “culture sharing” activities au pairs get a taste of what it is like to experience another culture. You can find a list of those activities in the Community Counselor Global Awareness handbook: globalawareness.com/global-awarenesshandbook/
  10. Host Family Webinars: A year ago Global Awareness started offering an intercultural webinar for our host families, “Practical strategies to Rev up Your Cultural Competency: Viewing the World through your Au Pair’s Cultural Lens.” We’ve received positive feedback from the host families and the CCs. The webinar is offered twice a month for our host families and quarterly for the CCs. Au Pair in America is the only agency offering a free webinar like this and it truly makes us stand apart.

ways to use Global Awareness