Tag Archives: childcare

May Day in Minneapolis

If it’s the first Sunday in May, it’s time to celebrate May Day at Powderhorn Park! This festival has been going on for 44 years. Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre and the communities around Powderhorn Park put on an amazing show to welcome the warm weather.

May Day this year will happen on Sunday, May 6th. The day starts with a parade, beginning at noon, down Bloomington Ave. from 25th Street to 34th Street, and then into the park.

Once the paraders have all gotten there, they have a ceremony to welcome the sun – the HOBT tree of lifemain stage is on the west side of the lake, and boats carry the grand finale across the lake. It ceremony includes puppets as big as 10 feet high!

There is music and dancing for everyone, and vendors selling all kind of foods. The ceremony is free and everyone is welcome.

This celebration is one of the unique things that make the Twin Cities, and Minneapolis in particular, so special.

Come on down to Powderhorn Park and welcome our wonderful summer!

http://hobt.org/mayday/

Au pairs and Minnesota winters

Almost all the families I interview express concerns about how au pairs will adapt to our lovely winters. I can honestly say that not one of the hundreds of au pairs I have worked with has left Minnesota because of the winter. In fact, I would say that the highest percentage of au pairs who choose to extend with their same family in my cluster is girls from warm places like Brazil and Thailand.

However, if your au pair will be sleeping in the basement, you might want to look at space heaters. The modern ones are extremely safe, and as long as you are very clear about safety with it (don’t drape your towel over it to dry it, for example) it might make your au pair feel more appreciated.

It is important to make our environment very clear when you are interviewing candidates. Just like everything else, early communication can really prevent issues later on. You don’t need to scare her – don’t mention the snow emergency we had last May, for example – but she should know that it will be cold and snowy for half the year.

Winter driving can also be a big challenge for anyone – even people who have grown up here can forget how to slow down early enough after it snows. The Minnesota Safety Council has a course entitled “Alive at 25” that au pairs can take to brush up on their skills. They also have fact sheets about winter driving that talk to specific issues they might need to know. The links are at the right.

We can all get through this together. We do it every year!

Au pairs and holiday homesickness

Au pairs are college-aged people who are spending a year in the U.S. learning about our traditions and sharing their own. (Along with childcare and classes!) So is it any wonder that many of them develop a small touch of homesickness around the holidays? So talk about holiday traditions and expectations. She may have some fun ideas about things to add to your family’s celebrations. Putting little gifts in children’s shoes on St. Nicolas Eve can bring a rush of fond memories of all the things happening back home. It gives her a connection to the things she’s used to, and it give your kids a connection to a new way to commemorate a holiday.

State Fair Time

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is coming up fast! Minnesota has the absolute greatest state fair of any state! (That may be subjective…) But we do have 12 days to celebrating everything that’s special about Minnesota, especially our agricultural roots. There is an entire section dedicated to farm machinery! There is also a Midway with rides and games, and an International Bazaar where you can buy jewelry and clothing from all over the world.

The Grandstand hosts major musical acts, as well as a talent show, and this year, the International Cat Video Festival.

The fair is an annual destination for people who like to eat, particularly if they like to eat greasy, deep-fried food and drink beer. Try the Tom Thumb donuts! And there’s the on-going controversy over whether Corn Dogs or Pronto Pups is the better battered, deep-fried hot dog on a stick.

This year the fair runs from 8/22 to 9/2. Go to http://www.mnstatefair.org/ for all the latest fair-related information.

See you at the fair!

Groundhog Day Feb. 2nd

Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to wake up on February 2, and come up out of his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and is called “Phil.” Though not based in science, it is a fun US tradition. The movie, starring Bill Murray is hilarious!
https://blogs.aupairinamerica.com/mdf/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2012/02/groundhog-300×214.jpg

Winter Weight Control

Many au pairs (probably most!) put on some extra weight over the winter. Americans eat more than most au pairs are used to eating, and it’s way to easy to stay inside instead of going out for exercise. Luckily, we live in the Twin Cities, where there are all kinds of awesome things to do in the winter. Here are a few ideas of indoor things to do to keep you in shape:

Roller skating at the Metrodome http://www.roller-dome.com/ $6 admission plus skate rental
Como Zoo Conservatory http://www.comozooconservatory.org/ Free and full of tropical plants so you can almost forget about the snow outside.
Mall walking at shopping malls around the area – free, and a good place to push a stroller if you’re with a little one during the day. Check with the mall you live near to find out hours. Mall of America is popular mall-walking destination: it’s roughly 1/2 mile around the mall once, so if you go around each floor twice that’s 3 miles.
Midwest Mountaineering has a ‘Bouldering Cave” in the basement that’s free, although you may want to rent climbing shoes for $3. Go to the main desk to sign the waiver and they will help you from there! www.midwestmtn.com for more information
There are several trampoline parks in the area where you and your host kids (assuming they are old enough) can jump around and burn amazing amounts of calories. minneapolis.skyzonesports.com/ for hours and cost information.
Grand Slam has laser tag. batting cages, a trampoline area, and Dance Dance Revolution. Visit www.grandslam.com for more info.

There are several places to go roller skating indoors, and also several ice arenas where you can learn to skate indoors as well.

Finally, meetup.com has ways to find people who are interested in the same things you are. It’s a great place to find a volleyball team, or a dodgeball tournament, or almost anything else, all near you.

I’ll post another list of fun things to do to stay active outdoors as well.

Back to School Safety Information from Consumer Reports

School bus safety tips for drivers and children
Aug 17, 2011 8:30 AM

Every school day 23 million children ride a big yellow bus. While school buses are one of the safest modes of transport, there are real risks in getting on and off and walking to bus stops. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has offered some tips to help students, parents, and motorists safe around buses.

Tips for drivers:
When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school. Better yet, walk around your car or out to the sidewalk to check for any children walking in your path before you get in.
Drive slowly and watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks. Also be aware of children playing or waiting around bus stops.
Be alert and aware on the road. While children are typically taught about looking both ways, they could dart into the street without looking if they are late or distracted.
Learn the school bus laws in your state. Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to pickup or drop off children. Drivers need to slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm signal indicate that the bus is stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Cars must stop a safe distance away and not proceed until the red lights stop flashing, the stop sign folds back, and the bus continues on its way.
Tips for children:
Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
When the bus approaches, stand at least 6 feet away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.
If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least 10 feet ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing or backpacks don’t get caught in the handrails or doors.
Never walk behind the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
For more on child safety, see our kids and car safety guide.
—Liza Barth

Child Safety Tips

This is from Walgreens’ website – I think it has a lot of good information.

CHILD SAFETY

  • The space between crib bars should be no more than 2.5 inches.
  • The distance from the mattress to the top of the rail should be over 2 feet.
  • DO NOT put extra blankets and stuffed animals in a crib with a baby.
  • DO NOT place a baby on the stomach to sleep.
  • Always keep one hand on an infant who is lying on a changing table.
  • Place gates at the top and bottom of each stairway.
  • Cover unused electrical sockets.
  • Keep cleaning fluids, bug poisons, and other chemicals well out of a child’s reach. Avoid storing toxic substances in unmarked or inappropriate containers (such as food containers). If you suspect poisoning or have questions, call 1-800-222-1222.
  • Buy medicines with child-resistant caps. Place all medications out of the reach of children.
  • Put safety latches on cabinets that a child should not open.
  • Keep knives and matches out of reach.
  • Keep plastic bags away from children.
  • Keep children away from hot drinks and stove tops.
  • When cooking on the stove, make sure that pot and pan handles are turned to the middle of the stove. Handles that hang over the edge of the stove may be reached by a curious toddler.
  • Keep toys with small parts out of the reach of infants and toddlers. This includes stuffed animals with buttons.
  • Avoid putting dangerous items in a waste basket where a young child might find them.
  • Keep toilet lids down.
  • Never leave infants and children unattended in a bathtub.
  • Check water temperature in a bath before placing a child in it.
  • Set the hot water heater thermostat to no more than 125°F.
  • When heating a baby bottle, always test the milk temperature to prevent burning your baby’s mouth.
  • Inspect playground equipment for signs of deterioration, weakness, and damage.
  • Teach children what to do if strangers approach them. Teach them at an early age that no one should touch private areas of the body.
  • Make sure children know their address as early as possible. Teach them to call 911 when in trouble.
  • Teach children to watch for cars on streets. They must stop, look both ways and listen for approaching traffic. Children must also be very aware of cars on driveways and in parking lots. Cars backing up cannot see small children.
  • Supervise young children at all times.

Summer Safety Tips – Car Safety/Child Car Seat Info

More safety tips from Walgreens’ website.

CAR SAFETY

  • Always wear a seat belt.
  • Obey traffic laws and drive defensively.
  • Do not drink alcohol and drive.
  • While driving, try to avoid any distractions from others in your car.
  • Keep your vehicle properly serviced, especially before going on a long trip. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
  • Take the weather into account before venturing out on the roads.

INFANT AND CHILD CAR SEATS

  • Car seats are required by law for children under 40 pounds.
  • The safest position for an infant car seat is rear facing in the back seat.
  • In most models, the infant seat is used AT LEAST until the child reaches 20 pounds and 1 year of age. (Some experts recommend rear-facing child seats until the child is 30 pounds; check the weight restrictions on your specific seat.) At that point, a forward-facing seat can be used. This may require a new car seat — it depends on the model.
  • Booster seats should be used for children 40 to 80 pounds. Some states have passed laws requiring that children up to 8 years old or 80 pounds be put in booster seats.
  • Read the car owner’s manual to determine the safest place to fasten a car seat in YOUR car.
  • Know how your car seat is designed to be used. Read the instructions carefully.
  • Adapters may be needed for certain types of cars or certain seat belt types.
  • For more information call your car seat manufacturer, car manufacturer, or the State Highway Safety Office.

Summer Safety Tips – Household Safety

Another set of safety tips from Walgreens’ website.

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY

  • Wear protective footwear and eye wear when mowing the lawn, operating power tools, working with a chisel, or hammering metal on metal.
  • Keep tools away from children until they are old enough to use them properly.
  • All stairways should have a sturdy hand rail.
  • All entryways should have bright lighting.
  • Don’t leave objects on stairways. Make sure that carpet on stairways is securely fastened.
  • Unplug appliances (such as heating pads and electric blankets) when they are not in use.
  • In the bathroom, use non-slip floor mats. Put non-slip appliques on the bathtub.
  • Don’t use any electrical appliances when you are wet or in the bathtub, shower, or pool.
  • Make sure that each fireplace has a fire screen.
  • Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately.
  • Make sure your house number is easily visible from the street.