Making the Most of Where You Are for the Holidays with Your Au Pair

I find it so brave of my au pairs to have traveled across the world to live with a family and experience America.  Time and again I am impressed by their attitude, as they dive in and take full advantage of what our country has to offer.  Lessons, exhibits, trips - so many au pairs grab America and shake it for all they can get out of it.

Encourage your au pair to be THAT au pair.  There is so much to offer, see and do.  I recently had a Brazilian au pair tell me how cold it was here.  Granted, we have some snow and cold in the winter.  However, I thought it was sad that she did not see all the potential and opportunity to try new things.  Luckily, her friend, also Brazilian, had a great attitude towards the difference in seasons.  She jumped right in and suggested snowboarding lessons and meeting with their host children at the park to make a snowman when it snowed.  This young lady could not get over the excitement of snow.  She admitted, she was cold, but she felt the snow was calling her to come out and play.

It's natural to miss home and it's comforts.  Help your au pair to see the beauty and excitement in the new and unknown.  There are lots of creative ways to encourage your au pair to get out and get active - how have you been successful?



Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets, infant care, infant day care, infant childcare, how to take care of an infant, care for infants, infant, toddler care, infant and toddler care, caring for infants, infant care programs, infant care tips, infant oral care, taking care of infants, newborn care, how to take care of newborns, newborn baby care, care for newborns, how to take care of a newborn, taking care of a newborn, how to care for a newborn baby, newborn care after delivery, childcare, home childcare, early childcare, parenting tips, child care tips, parenting skills, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting articles, parenting blog, parenting help, parenting plans, au pair host family, parenting styles, host families, host exchange, au pair family, live in nanny services, international nanny agency, au pair agency, au pair advice

Holiday Cards--A Snapshot of our Lives

December...ahh, the time of year to get the best photo I can of my family.  I will send out cards to everyone we do not see frequently, so it is the once-a-year time people to see how my children have grown (and hopefully how I have not).

I love receiving holiday cards and catching up with everyone.  Some of my friends have the same theme each year and I marvel at their ability to maintain consistency in family photos.  For example, I have a friend that focuses in on her children's faces so they fill the frame.  Her children have adorable, pudgy cheeks and the photos show them off to their fullest.  Another friend's family is always on the beach in white shirts.  The scenery is basically the same, the clothes vary little, but her children grow talker, stretch out of their baby fat, and mature each year.

In contrast, I have friends that are widely unpredictable.  One of these capricious friends made a top ten list.  It was titled, "The Top Ten Things People Say To Me in the Grocery store."  She has 4 children, very close in age that vary widely in coloring and looks.  The list began with, "Oh, my, what a nice daycare group you have."  It went on with several funny quotes from strangers.  Another year, she made a very sweet card signed by all her children in their adorable, scrolling handwriting surrounding an impromptu portrait.  I look forward to her cards each year to see how she is inspired by her brood.

Regardless of how, what, where, or why we make our holiday cards, they are a nice chronological log of our lives.  As we continue down our family path, our cards will remind us of where we have been.




Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets, infant care, infant day care, infant childcare, how to take care of an infant, care for infants, infant, toddler care, infant and toddler care, caring for infants, infant care programs, infant care tips, infant oral care, taking care of infants, newborn care, how to take care of newborns, newborn baby care, care for newborns, how to take care of a newborn, taking care of a newborn, how to care for a newborn baby, newborn care after delivery, childcare, home childcare, early childcare, parenting tips, child care tips, parenting skills, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting articles, parenting blog, parenting help, parenting plans, au pair host family, parenting styles, host families, host exchange, au pair family, live in nanny services, international nanny agency, au pair agency, au pair advice

Teaching Your Children About the Election Process

I remember my first election--the excitement, the drama, the campaign slogans, and the speeches.  Amber did back handsprings at the end of her speech.  My slogan was, "Catch a Clue, Darcy's for You." And, David passed out cookies with his name on them.

Everyone remembers their first election, either a student council election or maybe even their first presidential election.  The 2012 election process is in full swing and our children are noticing.  My daughters ask if the political ads are correct and we watched some of the debates together--although their attention wandered quickly.

During this election talk to your children about the process. 
Explain the role of political ads.

Teach about the difference in political parties and the purpose of parties.

Talk to them about signs and billboards you see.

Tell your children why we vote and that voting makes us equal because we all have one vote.

Take them to the polls when you vote.

One of the most important lessons elections can teach is respect.  Elections are a time for parents to show their children how to have differing opinions without being disrespectful.  We are fortunate to live in a country where we can voice our opinion and act upon it through voting.



Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets, infant care, infant day care, infant childcare, how to take care of an infant, care for infants, infant, toddler care, infant and toddler care, caring for infants, infant care programs, infant care tips, infant oral care, taking care of infants, newborn care, how to take care of newborns, newborn baby care, care for newborns, how to take care of a newborn, taking care of a newborn, how to care for a newborn baby, newborn care after delivery, childcare, home childcare, early childcare, parenting tips, child care tips, parenting skills, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting articles, parenting blog, parenting help, parenting plans, au pair host family, parenting styles, host families, host exchange, au pair family, live in nanny services, international nanny agency, au pair agency, au pair advice

Halloween Costume Ideas for 2012

Halloween is just around the corner and many households are getting their costumes ready.  It is the question my kids receive most this time of year, "What are you going to be for Halloween?" Of course, they have changed their minds many times and I am waiting until their response is a little more consistent before I act upon it.

Looking around the stores and hearing from other parents, there are a couple of themes this year.  For the boys, The Avengers is popular.  If your child is trick or treating with a group, this makes for a great theme.  The group could consist of Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, & Hawkeye.  If sisters are in the group, there is a female Avenger--Black Widow.  The Avengers could also be a family theme if you have a family with more boys than girls.

Of course, many girls this year will want to be the strong Disney character, Merida from Brave.  It is also a fun excuse to super curl the hair and go all out.  Another female character that is popular this year is Catwomen from Dark Knight.

For both boys, girls, and parents, there are Angry Bird from Space and Angry Bird Ice Bomb costumes.  I love little ones dressed as angry birds since they are often in a wagon and look like they are nesting as they sit together.

I found a lot of good ideas on Pintrest this year and some of them work for a non-sewer, stick it together with glue and staples kind of person like myself.  Visit http://pinterest.com/worlds/2012-halloween-ideas/ for ideas.



Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets, infant care, infant day care, infant childcare, how to take care of an infant, care for infants, infant, toddler care, infant and toddler care, caring for infants, infant care programs, infant care tips, infant oral care, taking care of infants, newborn care, how to take care of newborns, newborn baby care, care for newborns, how to take care of a newborn, taking care of a newborn, how to care for a newborn baby, newborn care after delivery, childcare, home childcare, early childcare, parenting tips, child care tips, parenting skills, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting articles, parenting blog, parenting help, parenting plans, au pair host family, parenting styles, host families, host exchange, au pair family, live in nanny services, international nanny agency, au pair agency, au pair advice

Sometimes Life Can Be Turned Around With a Little Help from an Au Pair in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Suffolk

Now that I have had an au pair for five months, what is the first thing I think when I wake up in the morning? Laundry.

With three adults and three children ages five months to six years and an experiment in cloth diapering, my family generates mountains of laundry each week. My germ phobia does not help with Mount Laundry – when my kids come back home each day after school, I immediately remove their school outerwear and put it in the washing machine.
At bathtime, I add the kids’ and my clothes plus the baby’s cloth diapers, fill the dispenser with powdered detergent and white vinegar, and run the washing machine.

Before Jana, our au pair, arrived, I would wake up each morning to a dryer full of wrinkled clothing, a filter stuffed with lint, and a washer-load of wet clothing. I am starting to think we have a household Brownie because it’s like magic to groggily walk over to the laundry area only to find it gleamingly clean and empty. And when I turn back to the living room, I do a doubletake to see laundry baskets full of smooth, folded clothing neatly divided into groups destined for individual rooms.

Every weekend I make up the child care schedule for our au pair for the coming week. With the advent of the school year, it looks something like this:
Monday to Friday: 7am-9am, 1pm-7pm
Saturday: 10am-3pm

On weekdays our au pair helps get the kids out the door to school, a Herculean task, and then spends an hour putting the children’s laundry away and tidying up the play areas. During her break she goes to TOEFL class, walks to the grocery store, cooks for herself or takes a rest. On days when the kids have afterschool activities, our au pair takes the baby for afternoon walks while I work. And our au pair's schedule changes to accommodate my work schedule. This week I had two morning meetings – our au pair took care of the baby in the bedroom while I held meetings in the living room.

Living in an urban area means that our au pair does not have to drive everywhere. An outdoor enthusiast, she walks and bikes around the Hoboken and Weehawken waterfront and takes the kids on the Light Rail to visit old trains and nature trails at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. I keep a supply of tickets on hand – the kids prefer the train to car travel and continually beg to ride the Light Rail to afterschool activities.

Halfway through our au pair’s stay with us, my husband and I are discussing what we will do when she leaves – a lot depends on the progress of our individual careers. But even if we never have another au pair, we will be forever grateful to Jana for making life with a new baby so easy and plan to stay in touch via Skype and future visits.


 child care, home childcare, early child care, parenting tips, child care tips, positive parenting, parenting articles, au pair, au pair host family, host families, au pair family, chesapeake, virginia beach, norfolk, williamsburg, hampton roads, nanny

Au Pair Jackpot in Chesapeake, Virginia Beah, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg

I won the AuPairCare AuPair Jackpot. Really. Really. Really.


I have the most amazing woman (Ivonne, 24yrs from Bogota, Colombia) caring for my 3 young children. We decided to venture into the au pair world with AuPairCare when I was expecting a 3rd baby and my twins were both just over 1 year old! We found it difficult to wrap our heads around how we'd accomplish the following:

A) Find a willing soul to care for 3 very small kids
B) Find that aforementioned willing soul to be qualified and experienced
C) Have that amazing saint also be someone that we "clicked" with.

Our experience has been nothing short of awesome with AuPairCare! We have someone who respects our rules, encourages our children to learn and develop, is extremely tidy, is respectful of our home, is polite, is extremely smart, is funny and who genuinely loves our children as family. There are so many amazing things we love about having an au pair, but I will say that our favorite aspect so far has been the cultural experience and exposing my young children to another language.

When Ivonne arrived, my twins were 16 months old (newborn was 6 weeks) and the toddlers were just beginning to talk. Their vocabulary has been exploding over the last few months and they know almost as many words in Spanish as in English. It is incredible! I studied Spanish in college- I consider myself to be "OK" at understanding and speaking the language, so this has been great because the children hear Ivonne and I converse in Spanish. My husband however doesn't know, or understand very much Spanish. Here's where the fun has been!

Having two 2-year olds, who are non-stop talkers, is quite humorous! Then, throw in another language and it's just hilarious! The kids (who are pretty easy to understand in most cases) occasionally do tell us something that leaves us both scratching our heads. Perfect Example: The other night, kids are eating dinner and our daughter asked for "watermelon" which sounded more like "wailermelyon.” For some reason, since it came out of the blue....we could not figure out what she wanted. It was a guessing game which then turned into a game of "this or that" as we pulled items out of the refrigerator. She kept repeating the word until she thought maybe the Spanish word would make the light bulb go on and she said "No Daddy, I want Patilla." Clear as day!

Thankfully, our AuPairCare au pair, Ivonne, quickly jumped in and translated for us. It just lights up my life to hear our children speak words in another language. There are numerous studies about the advantages of introducing a child to another language at a very early age, and having an au pair has made this possible for us! Not only is AuPairCare amazing because it allows us to have an extra "family" member to take care of our children and it's affordable, but it's giving our children something we couldn't give them- the exposure to another language which is enhancing our children's intellectual development.

We could not be happier!

Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets, infant care, infant day care, infant childcare, how to take care of an infant, care for infants, infant, toddler care, infant and toddler care, caring for infants, infant care programs, infant care tips, infant oral care, taking care of infants, newborn care, how to take care of newborns, newborn baby care, care for newborns, how to take care of a newborn, taking care of a newborn, how to care for a newborn baby, newborn care after delivery, childcare, home childcare, early childcare, parenting tips, child care tips, parenting skills, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting articles, parenting blog, parenting help, parenting plans, au pair host family, parenting styles, host families, host exchange, au pair family, live in nanny services, international nanny agency, au pair agency, au pair advice

An Au Pair Makes it Work for One Family

Never in a million years did I think I would have an au pair. The Legos alone frequently threaten to take over the living room in my Hoboken, New Jersey apartment – where would I put an extra person? Yet here I am, with an au pair who has rescued my marriage, career and sanity. I cannot imagine life without Jana.

How did I wind up making such a drastic turnaround? I cannot pinpoint the exact moment when I changed my mind. The catalyst to my conversion? AuPairCare area director Andrea Coyle. I met Andrea three years ago at a street fair and wound up exchanging a few emails because I was curious about how urban families fit au pairs into their lives (hint: temporary walls and loft beds are your friends). Andrea has been consistently helpful, reliable and knowledgeable. She has given me peace of mind about the au pair process throughout my entire experience.

I never intended to be a work at home mom. Seven years ago, when I became pregnant with my first child, I wound up staying home due to medical complications. Parenting and physical recovery turned out to be much more difficult than my husband and I expected. With two intense, time-consuming careers, we decided the best option for our family was for me to stay home.  However, in these uncertain economic times, I did not want to abandon my career. We also needed my earnings. The flexible hours provided by an au pair were the best fit with my highly unpredictable schedule. It was also the most affordable option at $8 per hour compared to the going rate of $20.

Increasing my family by 150% while growing a business has led to some rough patches.  Four months after Jana’s arrival, her presence in our lives is an unmitigated success. My children have wholeheartedly accepted her as a family member – it helps that they have an uncle who is the same age. We no longer have the giant piles of unfolded laundry that were the bane of my husband’s existence, and the kids have actually been picking up the living room legos under Jana’s tutelage.

We have taken Jana to see New York City cultural sites like Coney Island and Central Park, and her adoration for the baby is obvious in the way she runs to pick her up when she cries. Best of all, my husband and I have gone out on a couple of dates for the first time in over a year. We are grateful to have found this wonderful person thanks to AuPairCare.


infant care, infant day care, care for infants, infant toddler care, caring for infants, taking care of infants, newborn baby care, care for newborns, home childcare, au pair, nanny, child care tips, child care options, aupaircare, virginia beach, norfolk, suffolk, chesapeake, hampton, newport news, williamsburg

Get Ready for Back-to-School, Read a Book for au pairs in Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, & Williamsburg

It is getting closer and closer to school starting and many of our host families have children that are gearing up for the big day.  Along with clothes shopping for back to school and buying all the needed supplies comes a little bit of anxiety for children.  As an adult, I still have those crazy dreams where I can't find my shoes and the school bus is honking at my door or that I have a test and I forgot to study for it.

Children and families are both excited and apprehensive about the beginning of school.
A visit to your local library can help and fortunately, our host families have a ready-to-go au pair that can take our children during the hot days of August. 

I remember many afternoons as a child lounging on the bean-bags scattered in the children's section reading or being read to as a child.  As the American season of back-to-school approaches, there are many books that can help prepare little ones for the big day and alleviate some of their fears.  Suggest to your au pair that she look some of them up and read them with or to your children. 

• Pinky Dinky Doo:  Back to School is Cool by Jim Jinkins A Step into Reading book for ages 6 and up
• Amanda Pig, School Girl by Jean Van Leeuwen Ages 5 and up
• School Days Around the World by Catherine E. Chambers for ages 7 and up
• Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) by Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus ages 6 and up
• Meet the Barkers:  Morgan and Moffat Go to School by Tomie dePaola ages 4 and up
• A Very Full Morning by Eva Montanari ages 4 and up
• Butterflies in My Stomach and Other School Hazards by Serge Bloch ages 4 and up
• Wayside School Boxed Set:  Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger, Wayside School is Falling Down, Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar ages 8 and up

These are some excellent books about back-to-school and the local librarian will be an invaluable resource for finding more.  Suggest to your au pair that she get to know the librarian on her next visit.

Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets

The Moms of the Olympics

Everyone has watched the mothers of the Olympians as they cried and cheered their children on. 
I may not be the mother of an Olympian, but sometimes I feel like I am one.  We all make sacrifices for our children each and every day and often it feels like our children are our full time job even if we have another one.  There are many of us who juggle and shuffle and rearrange to help our children succeed.  Having an au pair helps tremendously, but it doesn't lessen the sacrifices we make to help our children excel.

I also love seeing the advertising campaign by Proctor and Gamble, "Thank you, Mom".  Even if it is an advertising campaign, it seems heartfelt and reminds us all that moms need to be thanked.  When I watch the Olympics, their ads make it seem like Mother's Day.

Proctor and Gamble has a channel on YouTube which features many videos and stories of Olympians and their mothers.  One video features Gabby Douglas.  Her story caught my attention because it is amazingly similar to our host families and au pairs.  Gabby Douglas lives in Des Moines, Iowa to train while her family lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  In the video, Gabby's Host Mom, Missy Parton, says her goal from the beginning was to welcome Gabby into her home just like she would welcome any of her own girls.  It also talks about the difference in their culture and their bond of respect which helps them every day.

I encourage you to watch the video  If you are a host family, you will see how important your role is in a young girl's life.  If you are a mother, you will feel appreciated for all you do.
Click Here for "Raising an Olympian-Gabby Douglas"

Top Ten Tips for a Smoother Summer Vacation in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, Hampton, Williamsburg, & Newport News

With the summer season in full swing and everyone vacationing, here are some tips to help it go smoother:

• Rent the proper size vehicle for your group:  In addition to renting ahead of time to ensure you have a vehicle on your vacation, make sure to rent one that will accommodate the number of people and their luggage in your group.  I once had the interesting experience of trying to shove my super size suitcase into an economy size trunk. It was quite a hassle to go to the rental office and exchange the car for a larger one.
• Be sure anything on top is securely fastened:  Take a trip to a home center prior to your trip and buy a ratchet tie-down strap for large objects in order to avoid the objects on top of your car becoming a missile on the highway.
• Always know where your keys are and have an extra set:  It is amazing how pricey and inconvenient lost keys can be on a vacation.  When on vacation, we relax and sometimes the location of our keys slip our minds.  Wear a lanyard around your neck with your key and always have an extra on hand.
• Know if your state has closed rest stops:  Many states have saved money by closing rest stops.  If you are traveling with little ones that need to stop frequently, check online to see if any are closed.
• Avoid micro-sleeping while driving:  Always drive refreshed.  The phenomenon of micro-sleeping, when a person drifts into a sleep-like mode for 2-3 seconds, is more common than you think.  Tap your hands, listen to music, and keep conversations going in order to stay alert.
• Be aware of TSA rules:  Last year, my daughter's safety scissors were taken from her.  They had a rounded tip, but TSA thought they could be dangerous.  In order to avoid safety-line tears, be aware of the rules before you enter the line.  Always err on the cautious side to keep the line moving and keep everyone happy.
• Change your watch to local time:  Doing the conversion in your mind and not adjusting your internal clock to the local time can wear on you and the ones you are around.  In addition, changing your watch helps keep you on time to any event you are attending.
• Book suitable accommodations for your family size:  In addition to having a vehicle that fits your family, choosing the proper size of your accommodation helps make for a more pleasant trip all around.
• Educate yourself and children on local customs:  Involve your children in the planning along the way so that they understand why the locals are doing what the locals do.
• Protect your cell phone:  Cell phones are the number one stolen item of travelers and can be dropped easily on pavement or in the water.  Invest in a water resistant case if you will be around the water during your trip.  Also remember not to turn it on or push any buttons if it does fall into the water.  Take the battery out and let it dry thoroughly before trying the power.

 
With a few extra precautions, you can have a fantastic vacation this summer.  We would love to see what worked well for you.

au pair, aupaircare, virginia beach, chesapeake, norfolk, hampton roads, hampton, williamsburg, newport news, childcare,

AuPairCare's Infant Specialized Care Program for Au Pairs in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News, & Yorktown

My husband and I went out on a date night the other night!  Alas not having family in the same state,  or even a list of childcare back-ups  (we don’t get out much!),  we needed to locate a babysitter ASAP. As I imagine being the case with all new parents, our requirement was not only a good babysitter, but also someone who had solid experience with the peculiar breed that is babies!

This got me to thinking about how cool it is that AuPairCare has addressed this particular parenting concern and I believe are the only au pair agency to do so. The Infant Specialized Care Program dictates than at an au pair must have at least 200 documented hours working with children under two years of age, also these au pairs have expressed an interest in caring for infants. Infant Specialized designated au pairs complete a week long training designed by childcare specialists at AuPairCare’s Training Academy in New York. The classroom is set up as a nursery and each au pair is given a baby (doll obviously!)  to care for during the week.  Au pairs are given training in the following areas of baby care in the “American Way” (especially cool, I think, is the training in infant massage, baby sign language and the American heart Association certification in Infant First Aid and CPR):

• General household safety and hygiene
• Communicating with parents about infant care (including the use of a Daily Diary)
• Infant care basics (feeding, bathing, changing, transportation)
• What to do in an emergency
• Creating and monitoring baby's daily routine
• Infant stages of development
• Games and activities to stimulate infant mental development
• Caring for multiples
• American parenting techniques
• Coping techniques to handle stress as an infant caregiver
• Baby massage and infant soothing techniques
• Infant sign language
• Certification in Infant First Aid and CPR

For more information on AuPairCare’s unique Infant Specialized Care Program,  please visit and also check out the following YouTube Video: AuPairCare's Infant Specialized Program  

Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets

A Little Too Early or a Little Too Late for foreign language inVirginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, & Williamsburg?

This summer, I'm spending three weeks in France. One (and maybe two) and at a French immersion school in the Loire Valley. I started learning French last year, and am excited for the chance to use it in real life instead of just a classroom.

It was a logistical work of art to set the family stage for me to take this trip. As a working mom with three kids, escaping anywhere by myself is a treat, but three weeks in Europe is monumental. I'm not under any illusions that it will happen again soon.
Since I've always wished that someone had spoken a language besides English to me, I asked my French teacher how old French children are when they begin another language in school. She said, around 10, and that it was too late. They should start earlier.

So I did a little research and discovered that actually, 90% of children in Europe have taken another language by the time they are 10. The latest children begin a second language is 13, which is about the time American public schools begin to offer classes more than once a week. Over two-thirds of the European population can read, write, and speak functional English.

In Japan, English is required from sixth grade on, and in China, children are systematically introduced to English in third grade, about age 8 or 9. In most cases, this is not the twice a week elective offered to American students in middle or high school, but a daily class that's at least an hour long.

A second or third language really is a gift that can last a lifetime. What language do you want your child/children to learn? And if you're an au pair, when did you begin to learn another language?

Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets

June Promotion--Save $900 for an au pair in Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, & Williamsburg

 

Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets

Brilliant Baby Buys for families in Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, & Williamsburg

  I don’t like to just write a product list for you as a general rule.  After all, there are SO many baby products on the market, it is sometimes hard to know what you will really need and will be especially useful, versus what might be a waste of money.
Of course a list such as this is always going to be personal  -  we all like to make our own discoveries and mistakes along the way,  but I know that I would have appreciated some objective guidance when I was scouring the internet and scratching my head at 7 months pregnant.  (Please note I have steered away from stating the obvious baby needs such as stroller, car seat, crib, high chair, playpen, well stocked diaper bag etc.).  Here then, is my list of best baby related buys…

The practical:

·         Baby play mat

·         Baby chair

·         Baby walker

·         Humidifier for the Nursery

·         A comfortable and quiet chair for feeding baby

·         If breastfeeding, a breast pump  (I like to have an electric one for easy convenience

          and a manual one for on the go).  Also breast milk storage bags

·         A Boppy (even if you aren’t breastfeeding these are great for propping up baby)

·         Ice cube trays (and a blender!)  for storing homemade baby food

·         Hand sanitizer (in every room and diaper bag)

·         Costco membership for stocking up on diapers and wipes

·         An engaged partner!

Toys & books:

·         Lamaze stroller toy,  like Kerry the fairy  (they have others if you want to be gender neutral)

·         Baby Einstein Sing Along (portable and not too annoying!)

·         Baby Einstein DVDs

·         Good baby music like Baby Beluga and all the Putamayo cds

·         Good touchy feely book.  (I have  a great one called Fairies)

·         Good Nursery Rhyme book

Clothes:

·         Plain white onesies (good for any season, day or night)

·         Crib shoes like Robeez or cheaper Bobux from Target. These help keep socks on and look cute!)

·         Extra-large blanket for swaddling baby. 

·     Sunhat and sunglasses.  I love my Flap Happy hat with large brim and tie and Baby Banz glasses with Velcro wrap around

I would love to hear anyone else’s personal suggestions on great and not so great buys for baby...

 

Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets

Geocaching--Go on a Real Treasure Hunt This Summer with your au pair in Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, & Williamsburg

An amazing constant in children is their ability to find treasures wherever they are and at whatever age.  On a beach, it is seashells and body parts of sea creatures.  In the woods it is bird feathers, stones, and leaves.  In the backyard it is pebbles, flowers, and sticks.   

As we begin summer, I am always on the lookout for activities that taps into my kids inner-self.  Something that is simple, creative, gets them moving, and is outdoors.  This year, a host family told me about geocaching.  I have heard of it, but didn’t know the details.  The host family explained how much fun they have with their daughter and I thought I would look into it.  As a part of our AuPairCare family, you get to share in what I discovered.  Maybe it will be a new adventure for your children, au pair, and you.

According to dictionary.com, geocaching is the outdoor sport or game of searching for hidden objects by using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates posted on the internet.  In simple terms; someone hides a cache of trinkets, posts the coordinates online, you find it, swap a trinket with a trinket, then re-hide the cache for another geocacher to find. The video on YouTube is a good summary that explains it well.

Because it uses GPS (which most smart phones have), the internet, and the outdoors, the game is fun for every personality in your group.  At Human Kinetics, you can learn all the advantages of geocaching which include physical, social, and educational benefits.

Curiously, I entered my zipcode on the most popular site for geocaching, www.geocaching.com and found 12 caches in a park near my house.  There are over a million caches hidden all over the world just waiting to be found, so this activity can be shared on vacation or at home.

Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, nanny, childcare, babysitter, sitter, live-in, au pair, provider, AuPairCare, nannies, children, child, kids, multiples, twins, triplets