Posts Filed in ‘Child Care’ Category
Big Kids Need Interaction Too
March 15th, 2019by Christine Connally | Comments Off on 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 […]
10 Tips for Summer Safety
June 15th, 2018by Christine Connally | Comments Off on 10 Tips for Summer Safety
Remember to bring along drinks, especially water. Try to get children to drink water every 20 minutes, when they are outside in hot weather. Pay attention to surfaces that can be hot against children’s skin, such as metal slides and other playground equipment in the sun. Safety around water is particularly important. A child can […]
Severe Weather Awareness Month in Minnesota
March 31st, 2018by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Severe Weather Awareness Month in Minnesota
April is Severe Weather Awareness Month and it’s important to be ready. Late spring is when we see a large number of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, so here’s how to handle that. A severe thunderstorm is one which may include any or all of the following: frequent lightning strikes (which can be extremely dangerous,) high […]
Daylight Saving Time Begins March 11
March 9th, 2018by Christine Connally | Comments Off on Daylight Saving Time Begins March 11
What is Daylight Saving Time? During Daylight Saving Time, clocks are turned forward one hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. Today, approximately 70 countries worldwide utilize Daylight Saving Time, in at least some portion of the country. The U.S. started observing it in 1918, so it celebrates it’s […]
Focus on Play: New Ideas for Some Classic Toys
January 16th, 2018by Christine Connally | Comments Off on Focus on Play: New Ideas for Some Classic Toys
It is good to offer kids a balance of independent play time and play where you are actively engaging with them. You can make toys they may be bored with, feel new and exciting, by suggesting different ways to play with them. Try some of the ideas below as a starting point. Play Food/Dishes Teach […]
Avoiding Homesickness this Holiday Season
December 1st, 2017by Christine Connally | Comments Off on Avoiding Homesickness this Holiday Season
Homesickness can be a problem during the holidays, even if it hasn’t been at any other time of the year. Au pairs often miss their friends and family, familiar places and their own traditions and customs. The holiday activities in the United States seem, and may actually be, different just at a time when an […]
5 Thanksgiving Tips for Au Pairs & Host Parents
November 15th, 2017by Christine Connally | Comments Off on 5 Thanksgiving Tips for Au Pairs & Host Parents
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. Even though a few other countries also celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s still considered a uniquely American holiday, one that the au pairs look forward to experiencing. You can learn more about it here. “I really enjoyed Thanksgiving with my host family. It was as I […]
Hints for Success – Overcoming Homesickness
July 17th, 2017by Christine Connally | Comments Off on Hints for Success – 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 […]
Preventing Dehydration in Hot Weather
June 15th, 2017by Christine Connally | Comments Off on Preventing Dehydration in Hot Weather
Dehydration means that the body lacks the necessary amount of fluid. Infants and small children are more likely to become dehydrated than older children or adults, because they can lose relatively more fluid quickly. Here are some steps to take to make sure children remain hydrated in the summer months: Encourage your child to drink […]
