Fathers’ Day is this Sunday, June 17. Plan to work with your host mom to prepare a Fathers Day card and/or gift from your kids, if you have a host dad.

In the DC area, it is very common to see a lot of American flags flying. The flag of The United States is a symbol of this country’s values and traditions. The 13 red and white stripes represent the original colonies and the 50 stars stand for the states. Use this day to teach your kids about your own country’s flag. You can find a print out of lots of flags in Kids Culture Corner at http://aupairinamerica.com/resources/kids/culture_corner.

Children should eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Many children prefer the crunch of raw food- apples, pears, carrots, broccoli, celery and cucumbers. Use your imagination to make vegetables attractive to kids- make a figure with carrot stick arms and legs, a celery body and a round of cucumber for a head.

Memorial Day began in 1868 after the Civil War ended. Now all soldiers and veterans are honored. It is also the unoffical start of the summer season. There are cookouts and trips to the beach, and also parades.

This day will be a day to celebrate Mom. Help the kids make cards and gifts or plan a special meal or other surprise for your host mom.  http://aupairinamerica.com/md/files/2011/05/happy_mothers_day-300×222.jpg

http://pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/school/

Today is the day to honor teachers- if your child is in school he or she might want to make a card for his teacher. Preschool children ages 3-5 love playing school. Let the child be the teacher and read to you and give you homework. Invite some dolls or stuffed animals to join the classroom as well!

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the May 5, 1862 Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in which Mexican troops  defeated Napolean’s forces. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated all over the US, but especially here in the DC area with a festival held on May 5 on The National Mall.

May 1 or May Day is a spring festival celebration in the US. It was especially popular in England during medievil times, with children dancing around a Maypole.