Tag Archives: nanny

Empowerment is empowering – Jan 2026

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We are going on four years of our partnership with the Bellevue Police Department and Officer Craig’s innovative style of protecting and serving the community with his self defense community classes. This is the only police department in the world to offer such classes. Au Pairs learned how to not get involved with someone who is not making good choices by using three “C”s – Communication, Confidence and Crazy. Use your outstretched arms to indicate that you do not want that person to approach you. Say “back up” very loudly in a clear voice. And then use a “crazy” tone if needed to stop the perpetrator from thinking you will go quietly and easily with what they want. Au pairs learned moves to leverage the weight of someone off of them if they held a weapon. Saying “you don’t need the knife, I will do what you say” could help the situation. It was an informative and educational day practicing our power.

Witches and Warlocks and Just Us in the Underground.

It was a spooky pre-Halloween walk around Pioneer Square, hearing the history of our new found home with newfound friends. Especially interesting was the story of Shelley‘s Leg, the history behind the purple glass, and the unfortunate glue fire that started at all. Boo! Thanks to our friends at https://www.beneath-the-streets.com/

APIA Community Day and Culture Fair – with over 100 of our Closest Friends

The APIA peace keepers in our corner of the globe gathered up this past Sunday. We had 8 countries representing for our culture fair and the kids “traveled the world” to meet the au pairs and hear more about their countries. The weather kept dry and we had sunshine in our hearts, playing scavenger bingo, doing a spirited water balloon toss and getting to know one another. Thanks to our amazing au pairs and families who make the program all it is here in WA!

J-1 Exchange Day Celebration

We met up in Arbor Heights Swim Club to celebrate the power of cross cultural exchanges and walking a day in someone else’s shoes. Shoes were donated, ice cream sundae’s made, high jumps crushed, volleyballs volleyed and swim quizzes guessed.
Here is more on the Exchange Day celebrated across the US and sponsored by the US government to help keep the world safe and secure:  https://alliance-exchange.org/alliance-commentary/celebrating-an-american-superpower-exchange-day-2025/

Take Us Out to the Ballgame – June 2025

Nearly 75 au pairs from around the globe now living in the Greater Seattle area came together to witness another Mariner’s victory. Our game had a home run, a salmon race, fly balls and sunshine! It was great to gather the areas Community Counselors and their clusters to kick off summer together. New friends were made and an American pastime experienced!

More Life Savers in the World – May 2025

A group of au pairs spent their hard earned free time on a weekend to learn life-saving skills they will carry with them forever and wherever. Together with our Red Cross partnership, APIA Au pairs received hands on instruction in CPR, wound care, and emergency preparedness. So proud of those who earned the certificate and happy Au Pair in America can provide these scholarships to hard-working and dedicated au pairs. The beat of “Pink Pony Club” takes on all new and important meaning for this amazing group.

Bowling with Buds – April 2025

Please excuse the springtime pun in the title, but it’s gorgeous out with budding trees and we had a wonderful night as a global community of buds. We practiced English and made new friends while trying out a new sport for some of us. A great Friday night learning an American tradition.