Every family and culture has their own Christmas traditions. Embrace those of your host family and share some of your own.
Photo: Luz Adriana Villa
Tag Archives: live in childcare
First day of winter
Today is the First day of winter
Animals handle cold winter weather in a variety of ways. Some travel to a warmer climate. Others grow thicker fur coats so they can stay warm and active during the winter. Many animals hibernate during the coldest weather – they spend the warmer months eating and storing as much body fat as they can and then live off this extra weight as they sleep.
Au pairs *** do not *** hibernate this winter!!! Call a new au pair or someone you haven’t met yet and go get a hot chocolate.
Photo: Michael Hodge
Puppets!
Puppets are a wonderful way to enjoy art and drama and to develop language skills. They can be used with all ages of children. The youngest children can watch you perform and talk to the puppet. Starting at about age 3 the children can help make the puppets and put on simple ‘shows.’ You can make a puppet from almost anything…socks, paper bags, Popsicle sticks, magazines…use your imagination.
Photo: Jodimichelle
Fun with Gingerbread!
Fun with Gingerbread!
Gingerbread is an important part of many cultures’ holiday celebrations. The story of the Gingerbread Boy has been retold in many versions. Below is a recipe for Gingerbread Cookies. If you aren’t a baker, head to your local retailer and you can get a kit to make a Gingerbread house, it will include everything you need-just add your imagination!
Gingerbread
Preheat oven to 350F
In a large bowl, sift together
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
In a smaller bowl beat
¾ cups brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
1 egg
2/3 cup of molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla
Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut out cookies. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes. Place on a rack to cool. Decorate.
Driving – Traffic
Driving – Traffic tends to be heavier around the Holidays. Leave earlier than normal and take your time. Remember, au pairs can be asked to pay up to $500 of the deductible for an accident.
Photo: epSos .de
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Click here for more safety tips
Safe Toys and Gifts Month – Before school vacation starts, take some time to check toys for broken parts, sharp edges and loose pieces that could be swallowed by very young children. If you are choosing a holiday gift for children you care for, make sure any toy is age appropriate and cannot harm the child.
Education
Don’t forget to give your counselor your education proof.
For more information about education visit the Au Pair in America website: http://www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/education.asp
Photo: Sean MacEntee
Buying Presents
Check with your host parents before you buy a child a toy that requires close supervision – electrically operated toys, shooting toys and games, chemistry sets, and the like. Remember, too, that younger children may have access to toys intended for older children once the toy has been brought into the home.
Thanksgiving Fun For Kids
Click here for some fun craft ideas!
Here are some activities you can do with the children to celebrate Thanksgiving. Click on the picture or any of the links below to find crafts, coloring sheets, spelling worksheets, math puzzles, nametags and more.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/thanksgiving-crafts-ideas
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/23-clever-crafts-to-keep-the-kids-busy-on-thanksgiving
Hop into Easter
Easter is right around the corner…
Visit the Au Pair in America Hop Into Easter Pinterest board for some great craft and activity ideas to share with your kids or host kids.
Photo: Chris Morgan (Flickr)