January Ideas:
Childcare focus
At some point this winter your host child will probably develop a fever, i.e. a body temperature that is higher than the normal 98.6 F. It is very important to realize that fever itself is not an illness – only a symptom of one. When your host child has a fever, his/her heart rate and breathing will speed up slightly in addition to feeling slightly warm. She/he may appear flushed and perspiration may be present as well. Do not give medicine to your host child without the permission of your host family. There are strict guidelines for dosages and they MUST be followed.
Travel
Au Pair in America has an exclusive agreement with INTREPID Active & Adventure travel. INTREPID has been offering regional tours of the US for young adults for almost 40 years. Au pairs with Au Pair in America will receive a 20% discount off the published rate! Visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ to plan your INTREPID Adventure.
ABC’s of Winter Fun
A is for Art – try drawing, painting, or gluing
B is for Baking – bake a dessert together for dinner
C is for Clay – use non-hardening clay or play dough to shape and mold
D is for Dance – put on a lively tape
E is for Exercise – be sure to get some every week
F is for Friends – invite some over
G is for Greenhouse – find a local greenhouse to visit to enjoy the sights and smells
H is for House – make a playhouse from a large appliance box
I is for Ice skating – take the children to a local rink
J is for Jigsaw puzzle – be sure to pick one that isn’t too difficult
K is for Kitchen science – try a safe experiment
L is for Library – borrow some new books
M is for Movie – make one with a video camera, or watch one
N is for Necklace – make one out of cereal or macaroni
O is for Origami – learn to make simple paper creations
P is for Puppets – socks make easy and fun puppets – put on a show!
Q is for Quiet Time – everyone needs some of this
R is for Reading aloud – choose a good book and a comfortable place to sit
S is for Seeds and Suet – put out food for the birds and watch them eat
T is for Tent – make one from old blankets and chairs
U is for Unplugged – do a day with no TV
V is for Variety – try something new
W is for Walk – take one in any weather (be sure to dress appropriately)
X is for Xylophone – make your own with glasses, water, and a metal spoon
Y is for Year – make a calendar or scrapbook to remember the year
Z is for Zoo – visit the animals