On this day, Americans honor the births of two of our outstanding presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  Most schools are closed, the US mail is not delivered and stores have big sales!

What to do today? Take younger and older kids to the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town from 1-3pm. Bundle them up!

For older children, today is the only day of the year that Washington’s home at Mt Vernon is open free of charge. Show older kids some US coins and paper money. See how many presidents the kids can name.

The weather in Alexandria has not been good, so our aupairs are probably spending more time indoors. Making sure the house is “childproof” is important:

Small children put everything in their mouths. Make sure that small objects, plastic bags or long cords are out of their reach.

Make sure that laundry soaps or cleaners are also put away up high and out of reach, as well as any medicines, cosmetics, etc.

Sharp objects like scissors and knives are a no- no around kids as well as toys that belong to and are appropriate for older kids.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in the West and most spectacularly here in the DC area with the celebration in Chinatown this Sunday, Feb. 9. Aupairs in our cluster should look at our cluster Facebook page for more information on the parade in downtown DC. Watch for the Lion Dance, and be prepared for a lot of firecrackers. The underlying message of the celebrations is peace, harmony and happiness for all.