Monthly Archives: September 2020

Where to Get Your Flu Shot

Many au pairs and host families are looking for places to get flu shots this time of year. Au Pair insurance does not cover immunizations, but there are lots of places to get flu shots for $35 or less. If the host family is urging their au pair to get a seasonal flu shot and she agrees to get it, the host family would be responsible for the expense.

If you are planning to get the seasonal flu vaccine, it is recommended that you get it as early as possible.

 

Anne Arundel County Health Department – Free flu shots are available by appointment only.

Montgomery County Health Department – Free Flu Shot Clinics will be offered as the vaccine becomes available.

Prince George’s County – Typically offer Free Flu Shot Clinics, check their website for the 2020 schedule as it becomes available. (not posted yet as of 9/25)

I have been told that Kaiser Permanente is offering free flu shots as well.

Flu shots are also available for a fee (usually $25-35) at pharmacies such as Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, etc.

5 Tips to Make Learning at Home Easier

Nenad Stojkovic

With most students learning at home because of the pandemic, we find ourselves with a back to school season like no other. Here are some tips to help make the process go more smoothly for everyone involved.

  1. Communicate – Host parents and au pairs need to communicate regularly about who is handling which tasks and how things are going. It may take some trial and error to find the best plan for your situation.
  2. Keep Expectations Reasonable – Most au pairs are not trained as teachers and just as this is new to parents, it is also new to them. Keep expectations reasonable. Au pairs should not be solely responsible for children’s virtual schooling.

  3. Lyn Lomasi

    Designate a School Area – It is important to set up an area where school takes place. If it is a multipurpose space like the kitchen table, create a simple setup that you can remove and replace when school is in session. This would include school supplies, laptop/tablet, and books. Store these items in a basket or bin nearby, to make the switch easy.

  4. Create a Routine for Children – Even though it’s tempting to be more relaxed with school at home, it’s best to stick to familiar routines (breakfast, getting dressed, etc.) This will help now and also when they have to return to traditional school in the future. Keep their school schedule posted, so they know what to expect and when breaks are coming up.
  5. Make Time for Fun – While school is very important, so is mental health. Outside of school time try to offer lots of opportunities for free play and being outdoors. If kids miss talking to their friends consider arranging virtual playdates, so they can connect outside of school time.

Living in a pandemic affects us all differently. Be kind to each other and yourself. We are all doing the best we can, in this strange time. Things won’t always go as planned, but by supporting each other we will make it through.