The coronavirus has caused lots of temporary changes to our daily routines. Right now, we are being asked to practice “social distancing” to reduce the spread of the virus. What is social distancing? Social distancing is a way to keep people from interacting as closely or frequently enough to spread the virus. Schools, sporting events Read More
2020 Challenge: Collect Moments, Not Things
Common problem: “It’s the end of my au pair year and I have sooooo much stuff! It’s going to cost me a fortune in extra baggage fees.” This post is about one way to prevent that problem. I know it can be tempting. There are so many beautiful things and great sales out there. But 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
Top 5 Tips for Overcoming Homesickness
Almost everyone experiences culture shock when they come to a completely new environment. Everything is different: the language, the food, and the people. When everything feels so unfamiliar, it is natural to long for the security of home. However, you don’t want to let that feeling of longing for home, make you too sad or 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
School bus safety tips for drivers and children
School will resume pretty soon and here are a few good reminders and tips for a safe start: Courtesy of the Consumer reports. Every school day 23 million children ride a big yellow bus. While school buses are one of the safest modes of transport, there are real risks in getting on and off Read More
PLAYGROUND SAFETY
Supervise Kids Using Playground Equipment 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 Read More
DRIVEWAY SAFETY TIPS
Check Your Car and Driveway for Kids We know you’re often in a hurry, but before you drive away, take a few seconds to walk all the way around your parked car to check for children. When checking for kids around your vehicle, see if anything that could attract a child such as Read More
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
Now that the start of summer is under way, we will begin our monthly Summer Safety Tips. Come back and check regularly to find out how to spend a safe and wonderful summer with your kids. Let’s start this off with SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS: There Is No Substitute for Active Supervision Actively supervise children Read More