Here are some ideas of things to do with the kids. Check back often as we will be adding content regularly.
Kid Stuff
Make Your Own Ice Cream
Making your own ice cream is a fun summer activity to do with the kids. Here is a simple recipe. You can change it up by adding a little chocolate syrup, a few chocolate chips, or using a flavoring other than vanilla. In a quart size zipper baggie, combine… 1 cup of whole milk or Read More
Camp Au Pair – Art Experiences
This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Art Experiences. Crafts, recipes, activities, and games related to art can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Art Experiences pinboard. Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. Get permission from your host parents before any Read More
Camp Au Pair – Dinosaurs
This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Dinosaurs. Crafts, recipes, activities, and games related to dinosaurs can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Dinosaurs pinboard. Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. Get permission from your host parents before any outings and Read More
Camp Au Pair – Bugs & Butterflies
This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Bugs & Butterflies. More than 100 crafts, recipes, and activities related to all kinds of bugs, insects, butterflies, and spiders can be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Bugs & Butterflies pinboard. Outdoors – Kids today do not spend enough time outdoors. Take the kids in the backyard Read More
Camp Au Pair – Science (STEM)
This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Science (STEM). This includes science, technology, engineering, and math. More than 100 crafts, recipes, activities, and experiments related to science, technology, engineering, and math can be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Science (STEM) pinboard. Field Trips can be a great way for kids Read More
Camp Au Pair: Backyard Safari
This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Backyard Safari. Crafts, recipes, activities, and games can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Backyard Safari pinboard. Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. While we don’t have any animal Read More
Make Plans for Summer Fun with the Kids!
When the kids are out of school on summer break there are soooo many possibilities. But, if you don’t make plans, you will often end up in the house with bored kids getting into trouble and arguing with their siblings. Make plans! Having lots of ideas ready can minimize those problems. Looking for fun Read More
Positive Discipline – Rewarding Good Behavior
Years ago when my kids were younger, I had a cluster meeting at my house and a few au pairs commented on the chore and behavior charts I had posted in my family room. With four kids, I sometimes found it difficult to keep track of who had done what and who had gained or Read More
What is Passover?
What is Passover? Passover is the Jewish celebration lasting seven to eight days (seven in Israel, eight outside of it) that marks the freedom of the Jews from enslavement by the Egyptians. According to the Old Testament, the Jews, led by Moses, had requested freedom from the Pharaoh of Egypt but were denied. To Read More
Create a Spring Break Game Plan
“Game plan” means a strategy for how you are going to accomplish something. In the case of keeping kids from getting bored and/or into trouble, the best way to prevent it is to keep them busy with safe, fun activities. When there are days home from school, letting kids sit around watching TV or playing Read More
Big Kids Need Interaction, Too
Just because a child is old enough to occupy themselves, doesn’t mean that they should be expected to do so the majority of the time. Host families have a certain expectation of activity and involvement for their children. Get the kids engaged and active. You can be more fun than the TV or a video Read More
Helping Young Children Learn Language
Being an au pair is an important role in a child’s life. When you are caring for young children up to 45 hours per week, there are lots of opportunities to help them learn language. Many host parents are eager for their children to be exposed to more than just English. If this is true of Read More
Celebrating Lunar New Year – 2022 Year of the Tiger
Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China. Tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, the holiday began as a time for feasting and honoring ancestors as well as deities. Lunar New Year celebrations begin on February 1st. The year 2022 is slated to be the year of the tiger. The tiger is known Read More
Valentine’s Day Activities
Valentine’s Day (February 14) is a time of love, friendship, giving, and caring. Americans use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to tell friends and family how much they care. Children usually exchange cards at school. Are you looking for Valentine’s day activity and craft ideas? Look no further… Au Pair in America has a Pinterest Read More
Planning Ahead for Future Snow Days
Looking for ideas to keep the kids busy on a snow day (when they are home from school for winter weather?) Here is a simple snow day game plan… Play in the snow. Pro Tip: Remind your kids go to the bathroom before you get them all bundled up to go outside. Come inside and Read More