Monthly Archives: May 2023

Memorial Day

happy-memorial-day1

Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday in the United States of America, celebrated on the last Monday in May.  It is a celebration of remembrance for the brave service of men and women who gave their lives for their country. Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971. We now, designate this day to remember loved ones who have passed on, as well as remembering our service men and women. Flowers and flags are placed on graves in remembrance of them. Parades and dedications of memorials usually are part of the day’s activities. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local marching bands, members of the armed service, fire departments, police departments, and fraternal orders often march in parades and attend ceremonies to commemorate the day.  

Here are a couple of links to website that have activities you can do with the children in honor of Memorial Day.

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

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/memorialday/

Vacation and Holiday 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.

Photo: torbakhopper (Flickr)

Holidays

  • Host families are not required to give au pairs any specific holidays.
  • Each host family will make different arrangements on holidays, some au pairs will be off and others will be required to work.
  • Au pairs should not make plans for holidays without checking with your host family first.

Vacations

  • Au pairs earns 2 weeks of paid vacation during the course of her year.
  • Vacation time should be mutually agreed upon.
  • All vacation should be pre-planned (at least 4 weeks in advance.)
  • All au pair’s friends and/or family visits/vacations should be pre-approved prior to purchasing tickets.
  • If an au pair travels with her host family, it should be discussed in advance whether this is the au pair’s vacation or if she is working.
  • If an au pair travels with the host family to work, the host family is required to pay for her transportation, lodging and meals.

Important: If an au pair is traveling outside of the U.S., she must have her DS2019 signed (travel validation) PRIOR to her departure from the US. More information about this may be found here on the Au Pair in America website.

By Christine Connally – Community Counselor in Maryland

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is celebrated each year in the U.S. on the second Sunday in May.  This year that is May 14th.

It is always a nice gesture to do something for your host mom. You could help the children make a surprise for her or give her a card yourself.  Any gesture is appreciated.

Don’t forget to send a special message to your own mom back home.  Without her love and support, you wouldn’t be here today.

You will find great ideas for projects you can make with your host children here on the Au Pair in America Mother’s Day Pinboard.

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the host moms in our cluster!