Actively supervise children on playgrounds. It won’t be hard – they’ll probably be calling for you to watch them climb, jump and swing.
Check playgrounds where your children play. Look for age-appropriate equipment and hazards, such as rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces. Report any hazards to the school or appropriate local office.
Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous.
Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard. Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground, so save those for bikes.
Little kids can play differently than big kids. It is important to have a separate play area for children under 5.
Choose the Right Play Area Based on Your Child’s Age
Ensure that children use age-appropriate playground equipment. Separate play areas for bigger kids and children under 5 should be available and maintained.
For babies who are mostly crawling or at best learning to walk, the play area should have a smooth and easy surface to walk on.
If your baby has fairly good head control and can sit up with support (usually around 9 months old), give the baby (bucket-shaped) swings a try.
Babies love slides but are too young to go down on their own. But they can slide down with your support. Just hold your baby all the way down and enjoy.
What a fun night watching a classic set right here in New England not too far from Rhode Island: JAWS! Movies on the Block is literally on a city block in downtown Providence! What a great way to enjoy the summer. We had a great turnout with some visiting Au Pairs from other clusters as well.
Rhode Island is known for the beauty of each season, but it is undeniable that this little state really heats during the summer months! Hop a bus, catch a ferry or pitch a tent, this is just the beginning of a hot summer in Rhode Island. Without further adieu, here is a list of 24 summer activities:
1. Sip on Summer with Del’s: No summer day is cooled off in a more Rhode Island fashion than with a Del’s lemonade. If you are in a hot spot, you can rest assured that somewhere close by you will find a Del’s truck or stand. If not, you can take a short ride to the nearest Del’s location. Learn more about Del’s here!
2. Cool Down with a Cone: Rhode Island has a host of great ice cream shops that pride themselves on homemade delicious ice cream. It is likely that where ever you are enjoying the summer, there is a place close by to grab a scoop. Here are a few of our favorites.
3. Visit a Clam Shack: As early as I can remember, there was always a common question from the travelers…”where can I get chowda’ and clam cakes?” Rhode Island is known for this staple and certainly offers many locations. Here are a few of our favorites!
4. Al Fresco Dining: Of course, we are not called the Ocean State for nothing. There are plenty of restaurants that offer salty air dining as well as others that allow for the sights and sounds of the city. And, still others that offer a country vibe or a lakeside view. Here is a list of places to dine outside the walls.
7. Beach It: This goes without saying. A summer tradition in Rhode Island involves a suntan and a healthy dose of salt water. There are many beaches to choose from, some secluded and some that hop like a nightclub in the sand. Here is a list of Rhode Island’s beaches.
8. Visit an Island: Rhode Island, although not an island by definition, is home to a few islands that can make your summer memorable. Hop a ferry and head over to Block Island for a real summer experience. As their tagline says, “just leave your worries behind”, and get on the boat. There is definitely a carefree vibe that permeates Block Island. You can also cross a bridge to Jamestown where you will get a real local feeling. There is not a chain business to be found here. You will be able to eat and shop at some incredible local stores and restaurants. Head over another bridge and find your way to Newport, arguably one of Rhode Island’s biggest draws. Great food, sailing, activities, historical locations, concerts and so much more can be found all season long in Newport. By boat, you can explore a number of other islands. For example, Rose Island, Prudence Island, Hog Island, Goat Island, Dutch Island and perhaps your own undiscovered island.
9. Catch a FREE Concert: Wherever you are in the state, there is a FREE concert series happening nearby. These free concerts allow you an inexpensive way to enjoy Rhode Island and its favorite musicians. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or lawn chair and prepare for a night out that will not wreak havoc on your wallet. Here is a complete guide to the free outdoor concerts!
10. Waterfire: No summer season is complete without experiencing the wonder of Waterfire in Providence. The entire city is booming with excitement around this event. Providence is best enjoyed when illuminated by the stunning display of Waterfire! Here is a detailed schedule of events.
12. Farmer’s Market: Rhode Island is bursting with local farms that produce locally raised and harvested goods. These farms are showcased at one of RI’s many farmer’s markets. Enjoy the local flavor of Rhode Island by stopping by a local farmer’s market. Here is a list of when and where you can find the markets.
13. Giggle!: Did you know that Rhode Island can be really funny? Well, if you attend one of the great upcoming acts, you will know what the laugh is all about. The Newport Comedy Series has moved to a beautiful location, The Hyatt in Newport. The hottest acts will be gracing the stage and will have your face hurting from laughter. The complete lineup is here. Additionally, you can head to East Providence and catch a laugh at the Comedy Connection. There is something hysterical happening most nights of the week. View the schedule here.
15. Meals on Wheels: Food Trucks have moved far beyond the days of the “roach coach.” In fact, there are entire evenings dedicated to consuming the goods of the local food trucks. Here are a few links to guide you to your next meal on wheels:
16. Take a Hike: Well not really, don’t go anywhere…keep reading! Beauty abounds in Rhode Island and one of the best ways to enjoy it is to put yourself right in the middle of it. Take a hike at any of the beautiful refuges, parks and the like. Here is a link that will help you plan the places your feet will take you.
17. Tour a Vineyard: The perfect way to unwind in the summer often includes wine! Why not take a tour of one of the picturesque vineyards in RI? Here are a few to get you started:
19. Why Buy when you can RENT: There are a boatload of locations in Rhode Island where you can rent your recreational equipment. From paddle boarding to scootering around…you can rent just about everything and anything in the way of water sports. Here are a few locations that offer rentals:
20. Catch a Game: The Paw Sox have been delighting fans near and far and are a prominent sign that summer is underway in the Ocean State. Do yourself a favor and catch a game at the original Paw Sox Stadium this sultry season. The complete schedule is here. You can also catch the Ocean State Waves for an exciting ball game which features some awesome talent. Here is their schedule. The Newport Gulls are also a local favorite and it is certainly worth catching a few of their games this season. Here is the schedule.
21. Hop on a Bus: Let someone else do the driving and see the state by way of a bus. There are several types of guided
The Rhode Island Brew Bus
tours available through Experience Rhode Island. You can also hop aboard the infamous Rhode Island Brew Bus and take a tour of the state’s local breweries. If you are just not up for driving, board the RIPTA and choose your destination. Mr. Narragansett himself will be giving guided trolley tours on Wednesdays, details here. Newport also offers the classic trolley as an option, details here. Providence and Newport are also home to the pedicab mode of transport. Check out Sol Chariots in Providence or Newport Pedicab to see the area in a environmentally friendly way!
22. Pitch a Tent: The coastline is no doubt an alluring destination in the summer. However, leave the coast by only minutes and you can take solace in the outdoor refuge provided by the local campgrounds. This is an affordable, albeit a rustic way, to enjoy Rhode Island. Here is a list of campgrounds in Rhode Island.
23. Sip Seaside: Bring your sand and your sunburns to these favorite local beach bars. Nothing says summer like a frozen concoction, typically decorated in sweet fruits. Here are a few beach bars that will welcome you, your sand and your tan-lines. Click here for the complete list.
24. Get Artsy: This state seems to have something in the water that breeds local artists. You would be remiss to pass over the local art galleries and museums that you can find in this little state. Here is a search to help you on your artistic venture.
At least one of our Rhode Island au pairs is familiar with (and will likely be celebrating) Ramadan, which begins today (Sunday, June 29). For those who are not familiar with this holiday, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran was sent down from heaven. It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.
During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours (an hour before sunrise until sunset). At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. Traditionally the fast is broken by having a glass of water and eating a date. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.
During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) for special prayers and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.
One day during the last ten days of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.
When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.
Rhode Island au pairs (along with Santiago, their much-loved Au Pair in America “mascot”) celebrated the official arrival of summer at their June cluster meeting – a picnic at India Point Park; and it was, indeed, a perfect summer day! We said goodbye to Eva, who will return to Spain on Tuesday, after having spent two years with us here in Rhode Island. We will miss her – but she has promised that she’ll come back to visit. Bon Voyage, Eva! We also had the opportunity to welcome two of our newest arrivals, Maylla (from France) and Macarena (from Panama) to their first cluster meeting.
This month Rhode Island au pairs had the opportunity to join Boston area au pairs for a visit to the Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory. The skywalk is 50 floors above the City of Boston, and provides an astonishing view of the city and surrounding areas — Boston’s Hancock Tower, Fenway Park, the Boston Common and Public Garden, the Esplanade and Hatch Shell, the Charles River, MIT, Harvard University, and countless other Boston landmarks. Au pairs also had the chance to use interactive exhibits which provided them with a real flavor of the city’s distinctive culture and neighborhoods. Multimedia players were provided detailing the city’s historic past and current sites. The Prudential Center also features over 75 shops and restaurants, including Barnes & Noble, The Cheesecake Factory, Lacoste, Legal Sea Foods, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora.
So what is it and who was St. Patrick? Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.Most of what is known about him comes from his two works; the Confessio, a spiritual autobiography, and his Epistola, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians. Many people ask the question ‘Why is the Shamrock the National Flower of Ireland ?’ According to folklore the reason is that St. Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagans. St. Patrick’s Day was first publicly celebrated in Boston in 1737 where a large population of Irish immigrants resided. Nearly 200 years later, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland was held in Dublin in 1931. During the mid 90’s, the Irish government also began a campaign to promote tourism in Ireland on March 17th.
While many Catholics still quietly celebrate this day of religious observance by going to mass, St. Patrick’s Day has slowly evolved to become a celebration of Irish heritage. Through the years, along with legendary shamrocks, many symbols were included in festivities that are reflective of Ireland’s folklore, culture, and national identity (think leprechauns, ethnic cuisine, and wearing green). Other places that join in on this celebration include Japan, New Zealand, Argentina, and Canada. New York City hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day in the world with around 150,000 marchers. In Chicago they turn the river green and other cities and towns all over America celebrate the day. You’ll find many restaurants serving traditional Irish cuisine next week with corned beef and cabbage being the most popular,
Though Rhode Island au pairs will most likely be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family, we will not be having a St. Patrick’s Day Cluster Meeting Celebration this year — we will instead be enjoying a performance of “Flashdance-The Musical” at Providence Performing Arts Center for our March gathering. Here are a few photos of last year’s celebration — a “traditional” Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner!
Who said taxes aren’t much fun? Rhode Island au pairs attended our annual “Tax Information Cluster Meeting” on Sunday, January 19, and had a wonderful time!
We had a chance to meet our new arrivals, and to review tax information and answer questions about the U.S. government’s requirement that taxes be paid by everyone who earns money in the U.S., even au pairs:-( We talked about the benefits of putting away a few dollars each week so that there is a “cash reserve” available for expenses like taxes, emergencies, or on a more positive note — vacations and travel.
All tax information and forms can be found by clicking on this link: http://www.aupairinamerica.com/pdf/tax_information_for_aupairs.pdf
For everybody in the world — whatever color their skin may be, whatever their religion may be, whatever their situation may be — good health, lots of love, of possibilities …..and Peace!!!!
1. Sip on Summer with Del’s: No summer day is cooled off in a more Rhode Island fashion than with a Del’s lemonade. If you are in a hot spot, you can rest assured that somewhere close by you will find a Del’s truck or stand. If not, you can take a short ride to the nearest Del’s location. Learn more about 
5. Tour a Brewery: Not only does this little state do food well, Rhode Island is also booming with a host of local craft brewers. The beauty is, they offer tours and samplings for you to enjoy the fruits of their labor. 
is booming with excitement around this event. Providence is best enjoyed when illuminated by the stunning display of Waterfire! 
19. Why Buy when you can RENT: There are a boatload of locations in Rhode Island where you can rent your recreational equipment. From paddle boarding to scootering around…you can rent just about everything and anything in the way of water sports. Here are a few locations that offer rentals:
