Great resource for new families

If you are thinking about getting an aupair this book is a great resource to get your started. It is a complete guide to hiring and hosting an aupair.
Oh My Au Pair! by Nancy Felix
You can also check out her website for more helpful information
http://www.nancyfelix.com/

caring for kids and parents, mom becomes a sandwich

Raising children has its own set of trials and tribulations. Never easy but always rewarding. No one ever prepared me for the addition of caring for older parents on top of raising children. Being an only child with parents living in two other countries makes it even more challenging. I always joke our family gatherings happen in a phone booth, there is only three of us and we live in each our country. There is no guide book for these situations and you just need to wing it. I want to set a good example for my own children by being there and caring for my parents as they need more help but that means hopping a plane traveling for close to 24 hours and 7 times zones and leaving my children in other people's care ( my husband travels for work). I want to think my children will be stronger and more caring as a result of mom traveling between two continents but I guess only time will tell.  The main lesson they are learning is do not move so far from home.

Read more here: http://www.mom2momkc.com/index.php?a=profile&t=blog&u=18602#storylink=cpy

Week two without an aupair

This is our second week without an aupair and we miss her. I did not realize how spoiled I had become having the extra set of hands around. I still think she is here when I see the car parked outside or when we set the table for dinner I expect her coming down and joining us. It is a big transition to not have an aupair after ten years of sharing our home with young people from around the globe. It is not only the child care help but the cultural exchange and enrichment that I miss. I am thankful that I am still the aupair coordinator so I can keep in touch with our local aupairs and families.

For those considering an aupair now is great time to get one. Go to http://www.aupaircare.com and apply using the promo code FALL$1000. Apply by Sept 27th and match by the end of October to get $700 off your program fees.