Posts Filed in ‘Q and A’ 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 […]
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 […]
APIA ongoing au pair training
August 11th, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on APIA ongoing au pair training
Au Pair in America is committed to providing the best possible childcare to your family. Au pairs get ongoing training in childcare and related topics throughout their year, both at their monthly cluster meetings and in online webinars. Webinars are scheduled roughly every week throughout the year. Recent topics have included things like: Toilet Training […]
Au pair extension program
April 18th, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Au pair extension program
Au pairs come on a 12 month, J-1 visa. If they complete the requirements for their first year, they can extend with the program for up to a second year. This can be great for families who want to have the continuity of two full years with the same person. No learning curve! Au pairs […]
Why should I get an au pair?
April 2nd, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Why should I get an au pair?
Well, not everyone should, to be honest. Families that need someone to care for their kids while they are out of town on business, for example, may not find an au pair the best solution. Families that live in smaller homes that don’t have an extra bedroom would not be suitable. But for many families, […]
Au Pairs – Myth versus Reality!
January 26th, 2016by Jennifer Harriss | Comments Off on Au Pairs – Myth versus Reality!
There are a bunch of misconceptions about au pairs, so I thought I would try to put together one document that clears up the ones I personally hear most often. First, having an au pair is affordable. An au pair costs about $370 per family per week (plus room and board.) The average cost of care […]
