Yearly Archives: 2017

Avoiding Homesickness this Holiday Season

December 1, 2017 – 1:59 pm

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 au pair would welcome something familiar.

It is common for au pairs’ emotions to be close to the surface during the holidays. Her highs are higher, her lows are lower. The enormity of what she has done–actually living in another country (which is an amazing thing when you think about it!)–hits her and throws her into a self-protective mode.

Host parents can help her through this unfamiliar territory by talking to her about what your specific family activities will be (gifts, meals, visitors, religious services, in-home traditions, or none of these, as the case may be.) In the spirit of cultural exchange, ask her if she has any favorite holiday traditions or foods that you might be able to incorporate into your family’s celebration of the season. Let her know what you will be doing, when you will be doing it, and what she can expect. Talk to her about what has to be accomplished and get her involved and interested. Don’t expect her to just “know” what needs to be done. Give her some clear, agreed upon assignments. Make her feel a part of things. And, let her know her contribution is needed and appreciated.

Photo: Sheila Sund (Flickr)

5 Thanksgiving Tips for Au Pairs & Host Parents

November 15, 2017 – 9:00 am

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 imagined! So much food to try. Everyone got dressed up and shared what they were thankful for. It was so warm and special. The next day we began to prepare for Christmas. It was magical.” Selina from Germany

Below you will find some tips to help you have a terrific Thanksgiving experience.

Host Parents

1. Please plan to include your au pair in your Thanksgiving celebration, if at all possible. Thanksgiving with an au pair offers an opportunity to consider the relevance of the history and meaning of Thanksgiving as you compare the hospitality offered by the Native Americans to the recently arrived Pilgrims and the hospitality you offer your au pair.

2. If you are traveling or will not be able to invite your au pair to join you for Thanksgiving, give her plenty of notice and help her make alternate plans. You don’t want to leave your au pair alone over the holiday.

Au Pairs

3. If you are invited to attend dinner, please let your family know within 5 days of the invitation, whether you are planning to attend. It is considered rude in America to accept the invitation for dinner and then change your mind later in the month. Please be thoughtful.

4. Make sure to discuss time off during this holiday weekend. Many host families work the Friday after Thanksgiving so do not assume you have this day off or the entire weekend. Talk to your host family, BEFORE you make any plans.

5. If your host family is unable to include you in their Thanksgiving plans, please let me know if you have trouble making other plans. You may be able to join a friend and their host family for the holiday dinner.

Bonus Tip for the Kids

If you are looking for a fun recipe to make with your au pair, check out these turkey cupcakes. Find more fun activities and recipes on the Au Pair in America Fall Holidays pinboard.

Photo: Tim Sackton (Flickr)

Education Reminders

August 20, 2017 – 11:00 pm

Au Pair Education Requirement Au Pairs must complete the education component of the program. The requirement is 6 semester hours of academic credit at a post-secondary accredited school. (6 credits = approximately 80 hours in the classroom) EduCare au pairs must complete double of the above. Host families are required to contribute up to $500 (au pair) $1000 (EduCare) for the cost of tuition. An accredited institution is officially recognized by a regional or national accrediting commission of schools.

Host Family Education Requirement The host family is required to pay the cost of up $1000 for EduCare au pairs and $500 for all other au pairs to meet the au pair education requirement. The host family is also required to provide transportation, including gasoline, parking, or public transportation costs (if applicable) to and from classes in your community. The cost of transportation is in addition to the $500 (au pair) $1000 (EduCare) for tuition. The host family must provide an appropriate schedule that allows time for the au pair to take classes.

Weekend Classes: There are some institutions around the country that offer weekend classes. A list of these can be found in the education folder in Field Point. Au Pair in America policy is to allow au pairs to take one weekend course for half their requirement. If the class is not local, the host family is to pay for the class and the au pair is to cover the cost for transportation and meals and lodging not included in the class. Any exceptions or questions about the weekend classes should be directed to our Education Administrator Allison Malino.

UCLA Advantage Online Course: The University of California at UCLA has created a 19-week online course for 6 credits that meets the educational requirement. This is the only online option we approve for au pairs. Any other online class will not be approved as part of the education requirements. This is a very good option for au pairs who are in areas with limited choices for classes.

The next session for UCLA Advantage will be September 25, 2017 – February 12, 2018.

Au pairs can enroll here: http://humanities.uclaextension.edu/amer-studies-online/ Interested au pairs must register and pay, once payment is made she has secured her spot in the class. This course is focused on American History and is designed for more serious students with strong English. In addition to weekly reading and assignments, there is a community involvement piece that requires the au pair to participate in a global awareness presentation, volunteering, and other activities during the course. The cost of the program is $500, it runs for 19 weeks. It will earn au pairs 6 credits towards their education requirement. Registration instructions for au pairs are attached.

Au Pairs ~ Extending

Au Pairs who wish to extend must have completed the required credits by the 11^th month of their first year on the program. Please track education carefully, and make sure your au pairs who are interested in extending have enough time to gain the required credits.

Education questions? Check the education folder in Field Point, we have lots of information for counselors there. Any other questions, please contact Allison Malino at amalino@aifs.com or your RPM.

Food Trucks in Moraga

August 20, 2017 – 10:57 pm

Making Safe Decisions about Driving

August 20, 2017 – 10:53 pm

Driving

· Make sure you have a clear understanding of the car use rules with your host family, if not talk to them about it or call me

· Ask your host parents where the insurance and registration documents are in the car. These documents should always be in any vehicle you are driving.

· Make sure you know how everything in the car works! Ask questions, even if you have to ask twice, that’s okay!

· Find out about areas that may not be considered safe, especially in and around cities, ask your host family or me for guidance if you are not sure

· Be extra careful at night, park in well lit safe places, avoid empty looking car parks and indoor garages when you are alone

· Do not use your phone or any electronic devices while driving, pull over in a safe spot if you need to send a text or check your messages

· Let your host family and/or me know immediately if you get into an accident so we can help you

· Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. It puts lives at risk. If you are arrested for drinking and driving there are very serious consequences. Be a good friend and don’t let your friends drink and drive. If you are caught drinking and driving you will go home

· Reminder! drinking under 21 years of age is illegal in the United States

· Always lock the car and the trunk when leaving the car unattended

· If there is public transportation available where you live, find out how to use it and give it a try!

· Download the apps for Uber or Lyft ~ both taxi services will pick you up and take you anywhere you need to go

Be safe and make smart decisions. We want you to have a wonderful and safe time in the United States. Call me if you have any questions.

Drive safe!

Hints for Success – Overcoming Homesickness

July 17, 2017 – 8:40 am

Almost everyone experiences homesickness and culture shock to some degree, when they come to live in a completely new environment. So much is different and it takes time to adjust.

It is normal to miss your own family, at home. Try to remember that they support you and want you to make the most of this experience. They will enjoy learning more about the U.S., through your eyes, as you share your adventures with them.

Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Homesickness

1. Make Friends – Don’t wait for other au pairs to reach out to you, reach out to them. There are other lots of new au pairs who are feeling the same way you are right now. Set a goal to reach out to a few of them each day. Some will respond and some will not. Don’t let that discourage you. No one will ever be mad at you for sending them a message to say hello or ask if they want to do something together. Make friends from various countries and you will also get a chance to practice your English skills together.

2. Stay in touch with your home country, but not too much. Skyping or talking on the phone every day with your family and/or friends back home normally makes homesickness worse. Try emailing instead and reduce the Skype and phone calls to once a week, until you feel stronger. It’s much harder seeing the faces and hearing the voices of those you miss.

3. Get out of the house (or your room specifically) – Go to cluster meetings, have coffee or movies with other au pairs, join a gym, go to the library, go for a walk, visit the mall, get a manicure, visit a museum. If someone invites you out, say “yes.” Also, don’t be afraid to do the inviting. If your host family invites you to do things with them, say “yes.” This will help you get to know each other and contribute to your overall happiness.

4. Realize that it definitely gets better – All au pairs experience homesickness and the vast majority of them get through it, stay and have a successful year (some even extend for a second year!) So, it must get better, right? Once you get past the initial homesickness, most au pairs report how quickly the year goes by.

5. Make Plans – Create your own Au Pair Bucket List (places you want to go, new foods to try, new things to experience during your year in the U.S.) and start doing them now. Post on our cluster Facebook group to find others who may want to join you on your adventures.

Photo by: Shimelle Laine (Flickr)

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8 Unique Bay Area Day Trips!

June 28, 2017 – 6:28 pm

8 Unique Bay Area Day Trips!

It’s hard to believe, we know, but outside of San Francisco the weather is usually quite toasty come summer time. Here are 8 of our favorite summer escapes!

SAFARI WEST — An African Escape on the Sonoma Serengeti (We’re Not Lion!)

You don’t have to cross any major oceans to see the creatures of the savanna! Located just over an hour from San Francisco, this unique experience offers some glamping for those that wish to wake with the giraffes. Google Maps Directions & Safari West’s Website

YOSEMITE — Soaring Granite and Picturesque Valleys

A day trip to Yosemite isn’t out of reach. Wake up bright and early for the 4 hour trip to the world famous national park. From the old growth forests to the cascading waterfalls, Yosemite is a bucket list trip that is closer than you think. And with all the snow this year, those waterfalls should still be churning! Google Maps Directions & Yosemite’s Website

GUERNEVILLE & ARMSTRONG REDWOOD STATE RESERVE — Rapids & Redwoods

Russian River is the perfect place to cool down once you’ve escaped the gloom. Grab a raft and float around in the sun. If the river isn’t your cup of tea, check out the Armstrong Redwood Reserve and stand among giants, including Colonel Armstrong, a massive redwood that is around 1,400 years old. Google Maps Directions for Guerneville & Maps Directions For Armstrong Reserve. Websites for Guerneville & Armstrong Reserve

THE PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK — Volcanos, Caves, and Condors

If hiking and perhaps geology are more your thing, check out the Pinnacles located about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. You’ll be able to explore old volcanos, lava caves, and even the location of the California Condor release site. Google Maps Directions to Pinnacles & Pinnacles Website

HISTORY ON LOCKE — A Time Capsule From the Early 20th Century

Locke is a unique California town that looks like it has stepped out of a western movie. Narrow streets, covered patios, and small mom and pop businesses dot this historic place. The entire town is a historical site and your car is your time machine. Google Maps Directions to Locke & Locke’s Website

This old geyser is still pretty reliable.

CALIFORNIA’S OLD FAITHFUL — Yellowstone Trip Not Required

If you’re looking for a family escape, check out California’s Old Faithful geyser. The area includes a petting zoo with fainting goats as well as picnic areas to enjoy some sunshine. It is just north of Calistoga. Google Maps Directions to California’s Old Faithful & Old Faithful’s Website

DEL VALLE REGIONAL PARK — 16 Miles of Shoreline for Fun in the Sun

Located about 1 hour east in Livermore, this fabulous lake has 2 swimming beaches, and motorboat, patio boat, and pedal boat rentals. Think about how much fun you’ll have with a group of friends on a boat soaking up some summer sun! Google Maps Directions to Del Valle & Del Valle’s Website

PINING FOR PESCADERO — A Natural Retreat

Pescadero is just an hour away. For a memorable experience, stay at the Costanoa Lodge. From the gorgeous pools and bungalows to the horseback riding, biking, and hiking, there is much to enjoy at this nature retreat — perfect for unwinding. Google Maps Directions to Pescadero & Costanoa Lodge’s Website

International Appetizer Party

June 20, 2017 – 10:26 pm

Our May cluster meeting was a delicious evening of appetizers from around the world.

Pool Safety

June 20, 2017 – 4:03 am

Pool Safety Checklist
TIPS FOR PARENTS

1. Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.

2. Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development and how often they are around water.

3. Make sure kids know how to swim and learn these five water survival skills:

Step or jump into water over their head and return to the surface.
Float or tread water for one minute.
Turn around in a full circle and find an exit.
Swim 25 yards to exit the water.
Exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder.
Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self- latching gates.5. Empty kids’ pools after each use. Store them upside down so they do not collect water.
6. Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life.

LINKS ON POOL SAFETY

POOL SAFETY
http://www.poolsafely.gov/

CHILD DROWNING PREVENTION
http://www.poolsafetycouncil.org/about.html

SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS
http://www.safekids.org/tip/swimming-safety-tips