September is an important time of year for Long Island families. The kids go back to school and routines change. Au Pair in America Suffolk County Au Pairs gathered at Community Counselor, Cindy Garruba’s house to get some important tips.
The meeting began with making ornaments for the International Holiday tree au pairs and host families will decorate for the Stony Brook Village Promenade of Trees in December. Everyone painted a heart ornament to represent their country or their experience in the USA. The au pairs are so creative. They spend a lot of time doing arts and crafts with their host kids!
The agenda included Minimizing Morning Madness, School Bus Stop Safety, Safe Driving including no cell phones and distractions from kids in the car. We discussed the use of the child’s backpack as the communication tool between school and home, keeping on top of homework and school notices. We also talked about baby safety because September is Baby Safety month!
Cluster meetings are an important part of the au pair experience. Not only do they learn important tips for a successful year as an au pair, but they also have an opportunity to make friends with other au pairs!
We celebrated Carmen from Bolivia who has spent almost 2 years in the USA with her host family in St. James. She earned her education certificate and will get a certificate for completing the Au Pair in America year when she returns home to Bolivia in October.
Check condition and sturdiness of toys. Discard any with sharp edges or are broken or falling apart.
Check children’s clothing for loose buttons and strings.
Is baby’s pacifier still in good condition? If not, toss it. Never use strings to attach the pacifier to baby’s clothes or crib.
Where do you set baby’s carrier when she’s in it? Not on the counter, or any high surface. Babies can wiggle and tip themselves over.
Walkers can be dangerous (especially old ones that don’t meet today’s safety standards), they allow baby to move very quickly and reach things they normally can’t. Never use around stairs.
Stroller check. If your stroller is collapsible, be sure latches are secure before putting baby in. Always check that your child’s arms are out of the way when reversing handle directions so they won’t get pinched. Be sure to use that safety strap. Don’t hang overloaded or heavy bags on the handle of the stroller; this may cause it to tip over.
Can you name the 12 most common choking foods for kids under five? Popcorn, hot dogs, chunks of meat, raisins, ice cubes, chunky peanut butter, nuts of any kind, hard candy, grapes, raw carrots, potato chips and corn chips. Don’t leave toddlers alone while eating; if they begin to choke you need to be nearby to assist.
Get a piggy bank: this is a great place to put coins so they don’t end up on the floor, in the couch cushions and then baby’s mouth.
Never leave your child unattended in the bathtub. If the phone rings, let the machine get it.
