Yearly Archives: 2015

Meet an au pair

Latvian Au Pair, Zane

Paola’s Au Pair Year

“A year ago when I arrived in the USA, everything was so strange, so different, I never thought I would get used to it that fast, I never thought time was going to go by that fast.

So many things were in my head, so many plans and things to do in one year, which I thought was not enough, now I know that it was more than enough.

I had time to get to know my host family and think of them as my own family. Time to meet people, friends that are now like my family, friends that I know I’ll see again and that I’ll never forget. Vacation time, Orlando with my real family, the best trip with them. The cruise with my new sister, the best trip I’ve ever been on. Time to party like I’ve never partied before. Time to study, to shop, to make small trips.

Being in another country makes you learn about other cultures and traditions, but this program made me meet so many people from so many different countries and let me learn a bit about their culture and traditions.

During this year I changed a lot. I improved my English, I grew up as a person, now I think before I talk or act, I’m more responsible, I help others more than I used to, I appreciate everything I have, I love my family even more because you never know when you’re going to lose them. I smile a lot, and I think the most important thing is that I live my life as much as I can.

My year is over and even though I knew this was coming I can’t believe that day is here…

Just like when I came here, I have a lot of things going round in my head, will I see all the people I met here again and will my host kids remember me in years to come?

I have made some plans for my future, but this time I’m not going to worry so much about that, I’m just going to let destiny work – I’m going to work really hard to get what I want and to achieve all my goals.

A year with no regrets, a year I’ll never forget…

Paola

It’s dental health month

A GI at Guantanamo visits a dentist.

It’s always important to children to brush their teeth but here is a special reminder! Brushing should last 2-3 minutes – use a timer to see how long the children actually brush.

Visit http://www.healthyteeth.org for information, science experiments (do you know what happens to bone if it is soaked in vinegar?) and games about teeth. This is a good time to read books about loose teeth or going to the dentist if your children are at the right age.

What’s the endangered species act?

In 1973 the United States passed a law to protect animals that were in danger of becoming extinct. Tigers, elephants, otters and mountain gorillas are all in danger of disappearing from the earth.

Draw a picture of these animals, visit the zoo to see them, read a book about them or learn more about endangered species at http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html.

It’s Groundhog Day!

Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to wake up on February 2, and come up outof his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because
he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and is called “Phil.”  Though not based on science, it is a fun US tradition! Check the news this morning, or the newspaper tomorrow to find out when the groundhog thinks winter will end!

groundhog

Do you need sports insurance?

ice-skateIs it risky to do winter sports without the sports insurance?

Yes. If you have to pay your own hospital bills for a broken bone, you might be shocked at how much that would cost. I checked this website for some cost estimates.

Here are a couple examples:

  • Without medical coverage, to treat a broken arm or leg (that does not require surgery) it could cost up to $2,500.
  • Without medical coverage, to treat a broken arm or leg (requiring surgery) it could cost $16,000 or more.

    • I wanted to make sure everyone understands how the medical coverage works for sports related injuries. There is a list of “high-risk sports/activities” that are not covered with the basic or upgrade medical insurance plans. Those activities are only covered with the Sports Insurance Package (also known as Option A.)

    The Sports Insurance Package was available pre-departure and may also be purchased at any time during your year. It takes effect within 48 hours of your enrollment and it is good for 12 months. The cost will be the same ($75) whether you have a month left or your whole year ahead of you. I recommend you pay for it early on, if you didn’t already purchase it. You never know when an opportunity might present itself and you don’t want to miss out on an adventure. You also don’t want to take a risk on getting injured and being responsible for the bill on your own.

    Below is a partial list of sports that are only covered with the sports insurance package:
    Football, Rugby, Scuba diving, Ski-doo,  Wakeboarding, Skydiving, Parachuting, Rock climbing, Zip line, Skate boarding, Rollerblading, Roller skating, Ice Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding,Snowmobiles & Snowshoeing.  View the full list on page 3 of the insurance brochure HERE (2013 arrival au pairs) & HERE for (2014 arrival au pairs)
    Note: Injuries sustained while partaking in these sports are covered with purchase of the Sports Insurance ONLY.

    How to register for the Sports Insurance
    Download the form HERE and follow the instructions. It takes a few days for your coverage to begin. If you think you will be doing any of these sports, you should get it now.

    Learn about the Gold Rush!

    On this day in 1848 a nugget of gold was found at Sutter’s Mill in California. News spread over the next few months and 100,000 people went to California to make their fortune. This “rush” was very important to the growth of California.

    Visit http://www.museumca.org/goldrush/ to learn more about this part of American history.

    Learn about the United Nations!

    The UN officially opened in 1951. It is made up of 191 countries from around the world. It was created after the Second World War – as a way of bringing people together and to avoid war. The United Nations logo shows the world held in the ‘olive branches of peace’. The United Nations had a special meeting of children from many countries.

    Older children might find it interesting to read their stories and views on what is happening in the world.

    Also check this Pinterest link:   http://pinterest.com/unitednations/