Tag Archives: Kids

LIGHTNING SAFETY

You observe and/or hear lightning and thunder, or a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect. What should you do?

At Home

If you are at home, protect yourself and your family by following the safety tips below:

  • Follow weather reports. Make sure a battery-powered radio is nearby.
  • Do not turn on the television. Listen to a battery-powered radio for the most current information.
  • Lightning can cause power surges. Unplug all appliances before the storm hits.
  • Avoid using the phone. Telephone lines can conduct electricity.
  • Metal pipes also conduct electricity. Stay away from faucets, sinks, and bathtubs.
  • Close the blinds and shades of your window, then keep away from them.
  • Keep pets on a leash or in a carrier.

Away From Home

There are times when storms come up suddenly.
If you are away from home, protect yourself and your family by taking cover in the best shelter you can find. If you are in or near the water, go to land immediately and find shelter.

  • If choosing between a building or a car, choose the building.
  • If choosing between a hard-top and a convertible, choose the hard-top.
    If you’re in a car, keep the windows closed.
  • If there is no shelter, find a low-lying, open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles, or metal objects that can conduct electricity. Make sure it is not likely to flood.
  • Assume a tucked position: Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of your body to the ground as possible.
  • Do not lie flat on the ground, as your fully-extended body will provide a larger surface to conduct electricity. Stay in a tuck position well after the storm passes.
  • Watch for local flooding; you may have to move if water begins to accumulate.
  • If you feel your hair stand on end in a storm, drop into the tuck position immediately. This sensation means electric charges are already rushing up your body from the ground toward an electrically charged cloud. Minimize your contact with the ground to minimize your injury.

Information from http://www.weather.com

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

summer_logo1June 21st marks the first day of summer-  Long hot days make for children to need some quiet time.  Relax and unwind at the end of the day with some summertime reading.Pick out a few good books at the library and make a point to go back weekly.Most libraries will have a summer reading program and a list of age appropriate books you can choose from.

Also,observe some simple safety rules when playing outside during the summer:

  • Apply sunscreen regularly
  • Stay hydrated
  • Never ever leave anyone-infant,child,pets- alone in a parked car. Consequences are fatal .

Watch this video and share it :http://diply.com/beinglatino/mom-leaves-child-in-car/124531

PLAYGROUND SAFETY:

  • Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children’s legs from getting burned.
  • Do not allow children to play barefoot on the playground.
  • Supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe

POOL SAFETY:

  • Never leave a child alone in or near the pool or spa area.Always be within arm’s reach.

IS FALL HERE ALREADY?

Fall is here and with this season,so many fun things are happening all over Virginia.

From farmer’s markets and Fall festivals to pumpkin patches and apple orchards, there is something to do for everyone.

Click HERE  and explore the many options available!

Also,for some fun kids activities,see below:

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When a crisp fall air invites you outside for a walk, gather some brightly colored leaves. Press them in sheets of newspaper under heavy books for a few weeks. When they have dried they will still have their bright colors and can be glued onto paper.

Make leaf prints by painting one side of a leaf with tempera paint and then pressing it down gently into paper to form the leaf pattern. Make designs for fun, or use large sheets of paper (like tissue paper, brown paper or even newspaper) and save the painted paper to use as gift-wrap.

Place some leaves between pieces of wax paper and iron. This will keep them from crumbling and give the leaves a glossy sheen. You can then glue them onto paper- try adding bits of bark or seeds too.

Try putting leaves between pieces of clear contact paper. You can hang them in the window or use them as place mats.

Fall is apple season. Apples come in many varieties, colors, shapes and sizes. Some are wonderful to munch on, others best when cooked. Regardless of the variety, apple-picking is a fun activity. Please check your local newspaper, especially the Week-end section, to find out about local farms that offer apple-picking and hay rides.

Recipe for applesauce:

Remove the core and quarter the apples. If you leave the peel on during cooking it will give the applesauce a pink color. When the apples are very soft, remove any peel that is left, mash the pulp or put it through a sieve. Add sugar if needed.

Recipe for dried apple rings:  

Peel, core and slice as many apples as you like into 1/8 inch rings; Macintosh or golden delicious apples work best. Dip each ring into a mixture of lemon juice and water to help the apples keep their color. Pull a piece of string through the center of each ring and hang in a dry, warm place. They take 1-2 weeks to dry and become chewy.

This makes an easy and nutritious snack!

VALENTINE’S DAY

valentines-day-heart

February 14  is Valentine’s Day .

Valentine’s Day is a time of love, friendship, giving,
and caring. Americans use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to tell friends and family
how much they care. Children usually exchange cards at school.

“Who is St. Valentine”?

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. The Emperor at that time, Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger army. Supposedly, Valentine, decided this decree was not fair and married young couples in secret. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine’s actions he had his head cut off making him a martyr of love.  Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first ‘valentine’ himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it ‘Your Valentine’, words still used on cards today.

Perhaps we’ll never know the true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure…February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Valentines ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.

For some fun children’s activities including crafts, coloring pages, games, puzzles and poems go to:

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/index.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/valentines-day/

Also, don’t forget to check our boards on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/valentine-s-day/

Applying for a library card and getting the kids excited about reading

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Arlington county (www. library.arlingtonva.us)and Falls Church (www.fallschurchva.gov/424/Library) libraries offer story time on a weekly basis.Don’t miss out on them and locate a branch that is close to you.

They also host additional events such as Nanny club,Paws to read and the American Girl program.

Visit your local branch or check the website to find one that offers a program best suited to your child.

You can also check out other options at Barnes and Noble in Clarendon (store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2068),Bartons Child’s Play on Lee Highway(www.bartonschildsplay.com) or Kinder Haus Toys on North Fillmore Street(www.kinderhaus.com)

Au pairs, don’t forget to apply for a free library card-both Arlington and Falls Church cards can be used at any libraries in our cluster.

To apply ,go to any local library,fill out an application and provide a valid proof of address.

Valid proof of address includes (but is not limited to) a driver’s license, bill or delivered mail.

HAPPY READING!

PLAYGROUND SAFETY

The basic rule of playground safety: watch the children at all times, particularly near swings.
Some playgrounds are on school grounds and should be avoided if the school children are outside playing.
Whenever you go out in warm weather, remember to bring along drinks.
It is important to apply sunscreen, even if it is hazy.
Safety around water is particularly important. A child can drown in just a few inches of water. Whenever you are near water you must never leave a child alone – if the phone rings, take them with you or let it ring! Always stay within arm’s reach when the children are in water.

FALL ACTIVITIES

IMG_2345When a crisp Fall air invites you outside for a walk, gather some brightly colored leaves. Press them in sheets of newspaper under heavy books for a few weeks. When they have dried they will still have their bright colors and can be glued onto paper.

Make leaf prints by painting one side of a leaf with tempera paint and then pressing it down gently into paper to form the leaf pattern. Make designs for fun, or use large sheets of paper (like tissue paper, brown paper or even newspaper) and save the painted paper to use as gift-wrap.

Place some leaves between pieces of wax paper and iron. This will keep them from crumbling and give the leaves a glossy sheen. You can then glue them onto paper- try adding bits of bark or seeds too.

Try putting leaves between pieces of clear contact paper. You can hang them in the window or use them as place mats.

Fall is apple season. Apples come in many varieties, colors, shapes and sizes. Some are wonderful to munch on, others best when cooked. Regardless of the variety, apple-picking is a fun activity. Please check your local newspaper, especially the Week-end section, to find out about local farms that offer apple-picking and hay rides.

Recipe for applesauce:

Remove the core and quarter the apples. If you leave the peel on during cooking it will give the applesauce a pink color. When the apples are very soft, remove any peel that is left, mash the pulp or put it through a sieve. Add sugar if needed.

Recipe for dried apple rings:

Peel, core and slice as many apples as you like into 1/8 inch rings; Macintosh or golden delicious apples work best. Dip each ring into a mixture of lemon juice and water to help the apples keep their color. Pull a piece of string through the center of each ring and hang in a dry, warm place. They take 1-2 weeks to dry and become chewy.

This makes an easy and nutritious snack!

Columbus Day Celebration

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Columbus Day, which is observed annually on the second Monday of October, remembers Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492.

Americans are often invited to celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of their country with church services and other activities. In some towns and cities, special church services, parades and large events are held. Most celebrations are concentrated around the Italian-American community. The celebrations in New York and San Francisco are particularly noteworthy. In Hawaii Columbus Day is also known as Landing Day or Discoverer’s Day.  Not all parts of the United States celebrate Columbus Day. It is not a public holiday in California, Nevada and Hawaii.

For more information about this holiday go to:  http://www.history.com/topics/columbus-day

For activities for children including arts and crafts, word searches, puzzles and more facts and history go to  http://www.theholidayzone.com/columbus/

Healthy Habits

Keeping a healthy body, mind and spirit= Balance

Get enough sleep

Eat healthily

Exercise regularly

Take some time each day to relax

Rest or slow down when you feel tired

Maintain a balance between work, rest, relaxation and your social life

Go outdoors! Even when it’s cold.  Cold air doesn’t cause illness, staying cooped up inside with the germs usually does it. Plus the sunshine (Vitamin D) is good for you.

Protect yourself and others

Please remember that preventing illness and the spread of disease protects not just you and your

family, but also children who may have serious conditions affecting their ability to fight off infections. Kids who may have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, severe allergies, cystic fibrosis, cancer or other conditions are more vulnerable.

Avoid spreading germs, wash your hands, cover your cough, and stay home if sick

Cover coughs or sneeze with the crook  of your elbow or a tissue-not your hand

Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water will help prevent the spread of influenza, strep throat, stomach viruses, and many other diseases.  Please keep children home from school if they have a respiratory illness, fever, diarrhea or vomiting.

Shower regularly

Avoid contact with people who have cold or flu symptoms

Keep a clean and healthy home environment

Keep frequently touched surface clean(kitchen counters, computer keyboards and computer areas, telephones, doorknobs)

Keep the children’s play area and toys clean

Keep your bedroom dust free as possible.Vacuum regularly and empty your waste basket daily.

Prevent the flu

Did you know the flu virus can knock you out for a week or more? Symptoms include high fever and severe head and muscle aches. Infection can lead to complications like ear and sinus infections, dehydration, and bacterial pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine each year.

Where can you get the flu vaccine?

Flu vaccines are available NOW in medical offices, pharmacies and at your County Public Health Division.  You don’t need to have a regular doctor or nurse to get the flu vaccine.

To find flu shots near you go to http://flushot.healthmap.org/ and type in your zip code.whoneedsvaccine_red_600x120

HOST FAMILY DAY AT QUINCY PARK IN ARLINGTON,VA

Kids collecting flag stickers from each country for their passports

Kids collecting flag stickers from each country for their passports

This past Sunday,the Au pair In America clusters of Arlington and Falls Church had their annual picnic with host families and au pairs and what a blast it was.The weather was just perfect to host this event and the location was very central to all of our host families.Here are a few of the many pictures we have from this event.

Our terrific face painters

Our terrific face painters

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