Author Archive
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 13th, 2017by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is celebrated in the United States on the third Monday in January. In 2017, that day is Monday, January 16th. Schools are closed and families are encouraged to do something together to make the world a better place. There are various activities in the Twin Cities, which may […]
Winter Fun and Safety – Sledding!
January 9th, 2017by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Winter Fun and Safety – Sledding!
SLEDDING SAFETY TIPS from the Minnesota Safety Council CHOOSING A SLED Look for solid construction – avoid homemade sleds, inflatable sleds that could be punctured, and equipment with sharp edges. Energy-absorbing seat pads will help cushion jolts to the spine. Examine sleds to be sure handholds are secure and steering works easily. FINDING A SAFE […]
Calendar of the Season – January
January 6th, 2017by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Calendar of the Season – January
APIA has a calendar for every month that lists fun things to do with kids, interesting facts, and educational information for many of the days in each month. January’s includes Martin Luther King, Jr. day, Albert Schweitzer’s birthday, activities to learn about hibernation, and recipes to celebrate Pie Day (January 23, not to be confused […]
Winter Storm Warning and what to do
January 2nd, 2017by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Winter Storm Warning and what to do
Now is the time of year when we hear about winter storm warnings, blizzard warnings, etc. What are you supposed to do about that? A winter storm is a snowstorm that has a lot of snow and/or winds that blow the snow around so you can’t see. A winter storm watch means the conditions are […]
Winter Driving Safety Tips
January 1st, 2017by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Winter Driving Safety Tips
Winter Driving Safety Tips from the Minnesota Safety Council – Long but worth it! WINTER DRIVING TIPS In addition to the basic safe driving habits we practice all year long – buckling up, driving alert and sober, and driving at a safe and legal speed – be aware of extra steps you can take during […]
Cultural Calendar
October 17th, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Cultural Calendar
APIA offers many services to our families. One that I haven’t yet mentioned is our Cultural Calendar. This handy calendar shows the special days and times of year in a easy-to-read visual calendar. It will help your au pair better understand seasons and celebrations in America as well as provide a calendar for possible fun activities. […]
Infant and Child First Aid/CPR scholarship
October 10th, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Infant and Child First Aid/CPR scholarship
Au Pair in America includes first aid training in our orientation, which all of our au pairs attend when they first arrive in the U.S. We also offer a scholarship which will pay for Infant and Child First Aid and CPR training through the Red Cross. We want all of our au pairs to be […]
Fall in Minnesota
October 3rd, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Fall in Minnesota
There are so many fun things to do with kids in Minnesota! We have apple orchards, pumpkin patches, haunted houses (some of which aren’t too scary, but some are, so be careful!) beautiful drives through changing trees, football games, and all kinds of Halloween activities. It’s also a great time for au pairs and families […]
State Fair Time!
August 23rd, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on State Fair Time!
I love the fair! I go (almost) every year. I go on the rafting ride, eat at least one ear of corn, go on the giant slide, get some honey lemonade, pick up a bunch of swag in the Education Building, pet a few animals, listen to live music — I know I’m forgetting something. […]
Back to School (cue ominous music)
August 18th, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Back to School (cue ominous music)
August means back to school for many of us! Shopping, organizing, waiting to see what friends are in your class — it’s all a lot of kids can think about as August marches on. My kids always wanted to get their school supplies the day they hit Target so they could rearrange their backpacks over […]
