Category Archives: Uncategorized

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day in the U.S. is Sunday, May 14.

Mother’s Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well as the positive contributions that they make to society. It was established by Anna Jarvis, with the first official Mother’s Day was celebrated at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908.

Mother’s Day was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson as a holiday in the United States in 1911. The celebration of mothers in not unique to the United States, however. More than 40 countries celebrate in some way! How about your country? Do you celebrate Mother’s Day? If so, this is a good opportunity to share culturally how you celebrate. Compare and contrast between the two countries! You can read about how several countries celebrate Mother’s Day here.

You will find great ideas for projects you can make with your host children here on the Au Pair in America Mother’s Day pinboard.

How about printable cards to color? Or a tin can butterfly planter! Try making some salt dough to capture hand or footprints.

Photo: Mrs. Flinger (Flickr)

Valentine’s Day

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, recipe and craft ideas? Look no further…  Au Pair in America has a Pinterest pinboard devoted to Valentine’s Day.

APIA Valentine’s Day Pinboard

Photo: Clever Cupcakes (Flickr)

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 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 good options.
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:
Look for ideas online. Google “activities school age kids” or “activities ‘tweens”. Below is a list of some ideas to get you started.

  • Cooking
  • Making things (check craft stores or online stores like Michael’s for kits and models that are age appropriate)
  • Going outside for fun activities
  • Sports (kick around a soccer ball, play tennis, bicycling, roller skating, shoot hoops)
  • 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?)  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 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.

Photo: Killian77

Overcoming Homesickness

Almost everyone experiences homesickness and culture shock to some degree, when they come to live in a completely new environment. So much is different and it takes time to adjust.

It is normal to miss your own family, at home. Try to remember that they support you and want you to make the most of this experience. They will enjoy learning more about the U.S., through your eyes, as you share your adventures with them.

Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Homesickness

1. Make Friends – Don’t wait for other au pairs to reach out to you, reach out to them. There are other lots of new au pairs who are feeling the same way you are right now. Set a goal to reach out to a few of them each day. Some will respond and some will not. Don’t let that discourage you. No one will ever be mad at you for sending them a message to say hello or ask if they want to do something together. Make friends from various countries and you will also get a chance to practice your English skills together.

2. Stay in touch with your home country, but not too much. Skyping or talking on the phone every day with your family and/or friends back home normally makes homesickness worse. Try emailing instead and reduce the Skype and phone calls to once a week, until you feel stronger. It’s much harder seeing the faces and hearing the voices of those you miss.

3. Get out of the house (or your room specifically) – Go to cluster meetings, have coffee or movies with other au pairs, join a gym, go to the library, go for a walk, visit the mall, get a manicure, visit a museum. If someone invites you out, say “yes.” Also, don’t be afraid to do the inviting. If your host family invites you to do things with them, say “yes.” This will help you get to know each other and contribute to your overall happiness.

4. Realize that it definitely gets better – All au pairs experience homesickness and the vast majority of them get through it, stay and have a successful year (some even extend for a second year!) So, it must get better, right? Once you get past the initial homesickness, most au pairs report how quickly the year goes by.

5. Make Plans – Create your own Au Pair Bucket List (places you want to go, new foods to try, new things to experience during your year in the U.S.) and start doing them now. Post on our cluster Facebook group to find others who may want to join you on your adventures.

Photo by:  Shimelle Laine (Flickr)

Flu Shots

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 about $35, but there are free clinics through the health departments as well.

If the host family is asking that an au pair 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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extensive info available online – Key Factors About Seasonal Flu Vaccine.

Calvert County Health Department – Free. The Calvert County Health Department is offering a FREE Community Flu Clinic on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Fox Run location.

Flu Shot Clinics. Advanced registration is encouraged.

Charles County –  Charles County Flu and Covid Vaccine Clinics are offered by appointment. Cost varies. Call 301-609-6900. Please select NO insurance as your travel insurance does not cover preventative immunizations.

St. Mary’s County Health Department – Drive thru clinics will be held in November.

Flu shots are also available for a fee at pharmacies such as Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Safeway, Costco, etc. Click the individual store for a link to each website.Several offer the option to schedule an appointment and download and print forms to complete ahead of time.

REMEMBER:

Your health insurance DOES NOT cover preventative care. If you choose a place like Target that advertises “free” or even a $5 coupon, they will bill your insurance and it will be denied, leaving you with the financial responsibility.

ALWAYS discuss the out of pocket cost. Tell them you DO NOT have medical insurance coverage for preventative care. The cost will vary between $20-50 typically. ***The advertisements for FREE will not apply to you because your medical insurance does not cover immunizations. ***

Around the World in 80 Days – United Kingdom

UNITED KINGDOM

Western Europe
Capitals: England – London; Scotland – Edinburgh; Wales – Cardiff; Northern Ireland – Belfast
Languages: English
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (Church of England, Roman Catholic) – most other religions are represented

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • British people often describe themselves as reserved, but in fact they are quite funny and have a witty sense of humor!
  • The UK  is a very multi-cultural society and subsequently Brits are open minded to all beliefs and traditions.
  • It’s true that people from the UK love talking about the weather, preferably whilst drinking tea!

FUN FACTS:

  • In the UK, if you reach your 100th birthday, you get a personalized card from Her Majesty  the Queen!
  • The estimated population of the UK is over 64 million; 84% of this population live in England.
  • The UK is slightly smaller than the U.S. State of Oregon.  It is just under half the size of France and 30 times smaller than Australia.

Photo by: Sophia Baik {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Ukraine

UKRAINE

Eastern Europe
Capital: Kyiv
Languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian, Other

General

  • The idea of being an au pair in the U.S. is becoming common in the Ukraine. It has been an option in other countries for several years.
  • Applicants from Ukraine are motivated by a desire to improve their English and to experiencing living in America.
  • An au pair’s job potential is improved upon her return to Ukraine. Her experience will help to maintain good international relationships in the future.
  • Applicants generally do not have difficulty finding the program fees.
  • Young people in Ukraine have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
  • Curfews are common until age 18.
  • Ukrainians are cheerful, enthusiastic, and optimistic.

Diet

  • Most young people in Ukraine eat meat.
  • Vegetarianism is not common.
  • A typical Ukrainian diet includes milk products, soups, fruits and vegetables.

Religion

  • The most common religion in Ukraine is Christian Orthodox.
  • Most young people in Ukraine do not practice their religion regularly.
  • A young person would rarely choose to practice a religion that is different than her family’s religion.

Telephone & Internet

  • Most Ukrainian homes have a telephone.
  • Access to the Internet is readily available.

Photos by: Vasenkaphotography {flickr}; Doktor Katze {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Turkey

TURKEY

Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia
Capital: Ankara
Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Dimli (or Zaza), Azeri, Kabardian

  • The idea of being an au pair is becoming common in Turkey.
  • Applicants from Turkey are motivated by opportunities to improve their English and travel.
  • The job potential of an au pair improves upon her return to Turkey.
  • Applicants sometimes have difficulty affording the program fees.
  • Young people in Turkey have the freedom of their family to socialize and date.
  • Curfews are not common.
  • Turkish people describe themselves as family-oriented, active, and energetic.
  • English is the most common foreign language option offered.
  • In public schools, classes focus on written skills. In private schools, English education begins at the primary level and will have classes taught by a native English speaker.
  • Those who do not attend university study certificate programs, start working, or get married and start a family.
  • The academic year in Turkey starts in September and ends in June.
  • The educational opportunities of the Au Pair in America program are very important to Turkish applicants.

Photos by: Hyeong Seok Kim {flickr}; Binder.Donedat {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Thailand

THAILAND

Southeast Asia
Capital: Bangkok
Languages: Thai
Predominant Religion(s): Buddhism

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • The Thai Smile, a unique characteristic of Thais. Thais smile at other people easily even when they do not know them.
  • Thai Tolerance – Thais are very patient. When they are stuck in traffic for hours, they still smile. It is unlikely to hear the honk of the car in the street. People just stay calm.
  • Friendliness – if you are lost, you can ask anyone for directions. Even if those you ask are not able to communicate with you in your language, they will do everything they can to help you in a friendly and warm manner.

FUN FACTS:

  • Bangkok’s real name is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.”
  • Thailand’s coastline is 3,219km long and has 1,430 islands, the most famous of which is Koh Phi Phi Lee, which was featured in Danny Boyle’s film “The Beach.”
  • Thailand was home to the first internationally-known conjoined twins, who were given the informal name of “Siamese Twins.” Eng and Chang were born in 1811 and moved to the U.S. where they both married, had children and lived to the age of 62.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?          Khun Pen Yang Rai?
  • Fine, thanks.            Sabai dee, Kob Khun.
  • My name is…           Chan Chue…
  • Nice to meet you!        Yin Dee Tee Dai Phob Khun.
  • Thank you.            Kob Khun Krub (m) / Ka (f).

Photos by: Alexander Annenkov {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Switzerland

SWITZERLAND

Western Europe
Capital: Zurich
Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Religion(s): Christianity
(predominantly Roman Catholic/Protestant)

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Swiss people are very friendly and polite.
  • Small is beautiful: Swiss are modest and reserved in a pleasant way. It’s impolite to be too loud.
  • Traditions, quality, punctuality and perfectionism mean a lot to the Swiss. People in Switzerland take their time to fulfill duties and tasks perfectly instead of being overhasty.

FUN FACTS:

  • Switzerland has more than 1,500 lakes, and 70% of Switzerland is covered in mountains.
  • Chocolate is a major Swiss export – just 18 Swiss chocolate companies make 172,376 tons of chocolate in one year.
  • In Switzerland, it is illegal to keep just one guinea pig. You have to keep them in pairs.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?             Wie goots Ihne?
  • Fine, thanks.               Dangge, guet, und Ihne?
  • My name is….             I heisse….
  • Nice to meet you.        Fröit mi.
  • Thank you.                  Merci vielmal.

Photos by: Highlander411 {flickr}; Wallace Howe {flickr}