Author Archives: Anne Alix

Happy Halloween!

happy halloween

On October 31, Halloween, children dress up in costumes to celebrate the day. Some children will wearing their costumes to school in order to make a parade with their friends. In many communities, children will go door-to-door to ask for candy — called trick or treating. Safety on Halloween is extremely important – don’t take your eyes off the children if you take them out to trick or treat and don’t let them run ahead of you. When you get home, be sure to inspect the candy and toss out any unwrapped pieces. Finally, check with your host parents about how much candy the children are allowed to eat each day so they don’t get an upset tummy!

This is National Fire Safety Week!

October 6-12 is National Fire Safety Week. Take some time today to speak with your host children about fire safety and and review an emergency plan of how to leave the house and where to meet up outside in the event of firefire safety!

September 21 is the International Day of Peace

Since 1982, September 21 has been recognized as the International Day of Peace. It is a day which everyone can contribute to the goal of world peace by practicing practical acts of world peace — something especially important today!

Learn more about this day and it’s goals here: http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/

A Wet, but Fun, Concert in Brookdale Park

Au Pairs from the Montclair, Glen Ridge, Verona,  and West Orange enjoyed a night out in Brookdale Park recently when they went to see Louis Prima, Jr in perform in concert. Although the weather was rainy at times, everyone enjoyed the big band sounds, and the companionship, of this outdoor concert!

Host Families and Au Pairs Go On Safari

Au Pairs and Host Families enjoyed an evening of minigolf in late June at the Safari miniGolf grounds at the Essex County Recreational Facility in West Orange. The gathering was a social event sponsored by Au Pair in America Community Counselors from around Essex County. Some participants showed the skills of professionals, while others enjoyed their first experience at the game. Nevertheless, everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and companionship of spending time sharing a little bit of American culture and fun! 

June is National Zoo Month!

zooIn honor of National Zoo Month, why not plan a visit to the  Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange with your host children. It’s a great place to visit, even with younger children. If you aren’t able to do that, why not set up a pretend zoo with play animals and blocks. Invite the host parents to visit your pretend zoo. Read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish or If I Ran the Zoo, both by Dr. Seuss. Encourage the children to make up their own animals and draw them. Think of all the animal sounds you can and play a game guessing what animal you are. You may find that the same animal says one thing in America and something quite different in your own country!