Host Family Info

These are some tips for parents of teens,but could also very easily apply to host parents with au pairs!

They were written by Teens for you and provided by ArlingtonPartnershipforYouth.org

Tips FOR Parents, FROM Teens

Building Better Relationships with Your Teen

  • Listen more than you talk.
  • Don’t multi-task when you’re listening to us –really listen!
  • Remember to tell us you love us – give us a hug even if we squirm.
  • Try to eat dinner together several times a week.
  • Tell us what happened to you as a teen and share how you felt at the time.
  • Don’t just ask “How was your day?”  Ask us something more specific – “How was English class? I know you’ve been struggling with that assignment.”
  • Often, when we come to you with a problem we just want to be heard and know that you understand.  You don’t have to solve the problem – just listen with a loving heart.
  • Try texting and/or Facebook to talk with us. It’s just another way to stay connected.
  • When you make rules, don’t cave-in when we argue with you.  Be ready to compromise, but don’t just give-up.

For more information about Developmental Assets go to

www.ArlingtonPartnershipForYouth.org

Social Distancing: Free Virtual Escape Rooms

Libraries may be closed due to COVID-19, but many librarians are coming up with creative ideas to keep people entertained and promote literacy. One of those creative ideas is free virtual escape rooms. With a variety of themes, some may be fun to do on your own, others as activities with the kids. Sydney Krawiec, Read More

Making Thanksgiving Memories Together

Thanksgiving is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November every year in the United States. It started as a harvest festival and has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789.  The most important part of Thanksgiving for American families is to spend family time together.  “My favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Firstly, Read More

Three Ways for Au Pairs to Stay Red Cross Ready

Being knowledgeable in basic first aid and CPR is important for au pairs (and anyone else caring for children). Au Pair in America’s commitment to infant/child safety begins before au pairs arrive to the U.S., with pre-arrival training and continue throughout the au pair year. #1 Training At Orientation Our orientation includes seminars by American Red Cross Read More

Back to School Planning

Back to school time is here. This can mean changes to the au pair schedule and possibly to the duties.  It is very important to communicate these changes to avoid problems. Here is a list of topics to consider discussing: Au pair’s work schedule The children’s school and activity schedules Where the children get dropped Read More

Avoiding Homesickness this Holiday Season

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 Read More

5 Thanksgiving Tips for Au Pairs & Host Parents

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 Read More

Holiday & Vacation Reminders

“Rest and be thankful.” – William Wordsworth Holidays and vacations are a great opportunity to rest, recharge and explore the U.S. Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer travel season. Here are some reminders about program rules regarding holidays and vacations. Holidays Host families are not required to give au pairs any specific holidays. Each Read More