Posts Filed in ‘Host Family Tips’ Category
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 […]
American Thanksgiving
November 15th, 2017by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on American Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is an American holiday (as well as other countries) where we, naturally, give thanks for our family, friends, etc. It is always on the fourth Thursday in November. It originally celebrated a good harvest, which explains why it is in the end of fall. Now it also signifies the beginning of the ‘holiday […]
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 […]
Holiday & Vacation Reminders
May 15th, 2017by Christine Connally | Comments Off on Holiday & Vacation Reminders
“Rest and be thankful.” – William Wordsworth Holidays and vacations are a great opportunity to rest, recharge and explore the U.S. Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer travel season. Here are some reminders about program rules regarding holidays and vacations. Holidays Host families are not required to give au pairs any specific holidays. Each host family […]
Handling Expenses
February 15th, 2017by Christine Connally | Comments Off on Handling Expenses
Host parents often ask for suggestions on how best to handle common expenses that occur as au pairs are caring for the children. Miscellaneous Expenses There are different ways to handle the little day to day expenses that come up. Things like when an au pair takes the kids out for ice cream or picks up […]
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 […]
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. […]
