Monthly Archives: February 2014

Big Kids Need Interaction Too!

Kids-play-LabyrinthX-2--300x199 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 video game.

Problem: But, my kids don’t want to do anything but watch TV or play video games.

Solution: Instead of saying – “Would you like to (fill in the blank with any activity)? The answer will often be, “No.” Try this – “Now we are going to (fill in the blank with any activity.) or “Would you rather do ___ or ____?” (Make sure both the choices are things you approve of.) Your chances of co-operation are greatly increased. Even kids who are reluctant to try new things will usually get in the spirit of things and have fun, if you pick a good activity.

Problem: I don’t know what to do with school age kids?

Solution: Here are a few easy ideas to start with. Look for more on the internet and the library. Google “activities school age kids” or “activities tweens”

-Cooking -Making things (check craft stores like Michael’s for kits and models that are age appropriate)

-Going fun places

-Sports (soccer, tennis, swimming, bicycling, roller skating, and more)

-Visit places in the area like the library, museums and attractions in DC, mini-golf and go-karts.

-Let them teach you to do something they enjoy. Kids this age love being the expert.

-Get outdoors and visit local parks. You can even make a project of reviewing all the local parks (what kind of equipment they have, is there shade, water fountain?) They can write this up and keep, so they remember which ones they want to go to again and which ones to skip in the future.

-Let them help you search and plan some activities.

-Check on the APIA Pinterest page and here on our cluster blog for ideas.

-If your host children are in scouts, find out if there are things that they need to complete that you can work on with them. Even if they are not in scouts, I suggest you check your local library for Cub Scout Handbooks (Tiger, Wolf, Bear & Webelos.) They are full of activities appropriate for boys (and girls) from age 7-11.

-If you have a GPS, try taking them geocaching. Here is a website with all the details. Note: Always get permission from your host parents before taking the kids places.

Contest: The first au pair in my cluster to send me a message (email or Facebook) telling me their favorite activity to do with school age kids will win a prize!

Article credit: CConnally

SuperBowl Sunday – Are YOU ready for the big game?

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Every year there is a lot of hype leading up to the game and the day itself brings parties, barbecues, funny TV commercials and the half time show.  The game is the most watched television program of the year.  Although it is not a national American holiday there is a “holiday” type atmosphere across the country on Super Bowl Sunday.   Families and friends gather together, consume food and enjoy watching the game on tv, in sports bars or other public venues.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:25 Eastern Time  on Feb. 2 from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Average list price for a ticket is $3,449 ~ much more cost effective to watch at home!

Typically people eat buffet style on Super Bowl Sunday and enjoy such snacks as pizza, buffalo wings, chili, potato chips and dips.

The Broncos’ seventh Super Bowl appearance ties the New England Patriots for third most all-time (the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers have the most at 8). A loss would be record fifth for the Broncos.

The Seahawks are making their second Super Bowl appearance. They lost Super Bowl XL after the 2005 season to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many Seahawks fans still think the refs gifted the game to the Steelers.

Stores are usually extremely quiet during the game and water usage across the country increases at half time when fans head to the restroom!

The George Washington Bridge in New York is lit up in both team colors

Players on the winning team earn $92,000. The losers make do with $46,000.

One 30 second commercial cost between over 3 million dollars

Bruno Mars is the featured artist for the halftime show. He has sold 10 million records in just three years and he had the two biggest hits of 2011 as both “Just The Way You Are” and “Grenade” were the only singles of the year with more than 10 million digital downloads. He was nominated for four Grammy Awards this year and picked up one trophy for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Betting is one of the engines that makes the NFL go, and the Super Bowl is the most bet on sporting event annually in Nevada. Last year, a record $99 million was bet legally. Of course millions more are bet illegally.

Groundhog's Day!

Photo by Anthony Qunitano

Photo by Anthony Quintano

Groundhog’s Day, a popular American tradition, is celebrated each year on Feb. 2nd. Tradition has it that on this day the groundhog emerges from his hole in the ground, arising from a long winters sleep. Once emerged from his hole, the Groundhog, commonly know as Punxsutawney Phil, will look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, lore has it that he believes six more weeks of bad winter weather will occur and returns to his hole. If the day is cloudy and  hence shadowless, Phil will take it as a sign of spring coming and stay above ground.