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.

Our Au Pair Experience (Part2)

As I mentioned we have had 8 Aupairs so far and I am not sure we are done yet. I feel there is more of the world we need to explore through our au pairs. We have had Denmark, then Norway (which did not work out so well, but that is another story), Estonia, Four from Brazil one of which stayed two years and our current girl is from Germany. They have all been great and we are in touch with all of them still. It is fun to watch where they end up and what they do with their lives. My girls view them all as big sisters from around the world. This year we have had the pleasure of having two of our previous Aupairs visit which was great. Leticia from Brazil was here and we had not seen her for five years. She now works in Brazil helping to save the rain forest which is amazing. Andrea, also from Brazil came for a visit, she was with us three years ago. She is now an aupair again in California.