Host Family Tips
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
Social Distancing: 5 Online Adventures for Kids
Reading, playing, and doing art projects are always great ways to entertain children and keep them physically active and learning. It’s a good idea to limit screen time. But, in this time of social distancing, technology can play an important role in allowing kids to see and connect with the world outside of their homes. 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
Make Your Own Play Dough
Play dough is the perfect modeling material for children. Their small hands can pat, poke, pinch, roll and knead it into many shapes. Keep it in an airtight container to use another day, or let it air dry into favorite shapes. Measure 2 cups of flour, one cup of salt and 4 teaspoons of cream Read More
September is Baby Safety Month
Baby Safety Month – There are many safety tips on the Au Pair in America website. In honor of Baby Safety Month, here are some more specific baby tips: If you must leave the baby alone for a few moments, be sure she is safely in a crib or play pen. Check condition and Read More
Going Unplugged During Work Hours
Au Pairs – Imagine for a moment that you went to the hospital and you were in the care of doctors and nurses. How would you feel if those doctors and nurses who were there to care for you were more interested in texting or using their personal computer than caring for you? How would Read More
Preventing Dehydration in Hot Weather
Step 1 Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. On hot days, children should drink significantly more water than usual, as they are losing more due to the heat. Step 2 Do not wait until your child is thirsty to give him water. By the time they feel thirsty, they are already becoming dehydrated. Read More
Health and Safety – What are Ticks?
When the weather is nice, we spend more time outdoors with the children. Playing in the back yard, at the playground or walking on nature trails are great ways to get fresh air and exercise. What are ticks? – Ticks are small mites that attach themselves to skin and suck blood. Click HERE to Read More
Summer Safety
During the summer months we need to take some added precautions to keep children safe in the sun and by the water. Here are some good tips: Avoid long periods of sun exposure especially between 10.00am and 4.00pm Apply sunscreen of at least 15 SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays should be Read More
Preventing Dehydration in Hot Weather
Dehydration means that the body lacks the necessary amount of fluid. Infants and small children are more likely to become dehydrated than older children or adults, because they can lose relatively more fluid quickly. Here are some steps to take to make sure children remain hydrated in the summer months: Encourage your child to drink Read More
How to Manage Longer Days with Children – When School is out and Camp isn’t On!
Here are some ideas to keep your kids busy this summer! Top Ten – How to Manage Longer Days with Children – When School is out and Camp isn’t On! Au pairs should always check with their host parents to seek approval for any childcare activities. 10. Start A Summer Scrapbook! Include drawings, pictures, Read More
Holiday and Vacation Reminders
With summer break around the corner, we wanted to remind everyone about program rules on holidays and vacations. 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 Read More
Handling Expenses
Host parents often ask for suggestions on how best to handle common expenses that occur as au pairs are caring for the children. Miscellaneous Expenses There are different ways to handle the little day to day expenses that come up. Things like when an au pair takes the kids out for ice cream or picks up Read More