Stranger Danger

Beware of strangers. How many times have we heard that growing up and I believe now more than ever this is a fact of life.  When you are out and about always keep an eye on the little ones, know where they are at all times. Don't be distracted by texting or calling when out in public and you have little people along. They need your undivided attention. I know it has happened to me where my four year old suddenly is gone. We are at the store and I turn away for one second and she has disappeared. 99% of the time they are either hiding somewhere or got distracted by a cool toy and moved on out of sight. But it can happen so fast so always be aware of your surroundings and the second a child is out of sight go find them. Also talk with your kids about strangers and the importance of not going with someone they do not know even though candy, treats or puppies are offered. I have talked with my kids about what to do if approached by a stranger and I often ask them what would you do. But there is a fine line,, you don't want your kids scared of everyone and everything. The little old lady at the grocery store that just wants to say hello or the man out walking his dog who stops for a quick chat. We need to teach our kids to be aware and careful yet also embrace life and enjoy it and not walk around in constant fear.

Do as I say not as I do

These are important words for Aupairs and Host parents to know. We as host parents set our aupairs to a higher standard than ourselves. We will place the kids in front of the television on a Saturday so we can get some things done around the house, this does not mean that the Aupair can do the same during the work week. A Host parent may leave the kids at home sleeping while they run out a quick errand, the aupair may not. The host parent may drink a glass of wine or two and drive home, the aupair may not...and the list goes on and on. As host parents having an aupair live with you is foreshadowing of having teenagers.  They watch us and see how we do things so it is only natural that they repeat the things we do. Again communication is key to any relationship, so the next time the aupair comes to you and says "but you do it why can't I...", make sure you have a good response ready. Mine is Do as I say and not as I do.

Ten tips for culturally aware children

Ten Tips for Culturally Aware Children

Many children start to show an interest in different cultures at a young age, whether  through ethnic food, friends at school, unique clothes, or hearing a foreign language spoken for the first time. Here are 10 ways to encourage your child’s curiosity and teach them about a variety of cultures in fun and interactive ways. 

1.     Read bedtime stories that take place in another country or include some foreign words, so you can practice pronunciation.

2.     Host an international au pair. You can use matching agencies like AuPairCare, which have au pairs from more than 40 countries.

3.     Enroll your child in a cultural dance or martial arts class, such as Bollywood, Flamenco or Capoeira.

4.     Enroll your child in foreign language classes for kids, such as Lango. 

5.     Plan art activities for your child based on different cultures such as Japanese calligraphy, Chinese paper cut outs, and Puerto Rican Ponce Carnival Masks.

6.     Cook and try new foods inspired by other cultures with your children, or enroll them in cooking classes like Cooking Up Culture.

7.     Plan a heritage party for your children and their friends, and encourage each child to bring food and games from their family’s heritage.

8.     Watch family-friendly movies that take place in another country.

9.     Listen to popular music from different cultures while in the car, or teach your kids a simple song in a foreign language.

10.  Attend local festivals and parades that celebrate different cultures such as Cinco de Mayo, Carnival, Chinese New Year, and Bastille Day.

“Children are little sponges, taking in the world around them with eagle eyes and curious minds,” said Heidi Woehl, vice president of AuPairCare and a mother of five. “This curiosity is a great thing and should be cultivated through as many avenues as possible, in an effort to raise a globally and culturally aware next generation.”

Great class for your Child and Au Pair

If you are looking for something fun for your au pair and child to do together sign up for a Kinder Music class. Both my children have taken classes and loved it. Kinder Music with Joy is a great resource. They offer classes in Overland Park,KS and Brookside, MO  Here is a link to their website
http://www.kindermusikwithjoy.net/
This is a great way for your aupair to learn English by singing with your child. Music has no language barriers and is a great way for your child and Aupair to bond.