Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Helping teach your kids a foreign language
Kids' brains are most susceptible to learning a foreign language from the ages of 0-7. The more you teach them during those years the more they learn. I learned English when I was four years old while we lived in America. We spoke Norwegian at home so I had the benefit of learning two languages fluently. To this day I can switch between the two without any problems. Check out this link to print out flash cards for Spanish and Mandarin Flash cards.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Childcare that fits your lifestyle
Childcare that fits your needs
Check out this short video about Aupair Care and how hosting an aupair care be great for you!
Check out this short video about Aupair Care and how hosting an aupair care be great for you!
Tips on Tipping
In America it is customary to tip when you eat out at a restaurant, between 10-20% is normal. Following is some advice:
Although excellent service calls for 20 percent of the total bill, most U.S. restaurants accept 15 percent as the standard tip. In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also acceptable. The bar tenders, themselves, generally receive between 15 and 20% when you sit at the bar. If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager - don't walk out without tipping. And pay attention to lunch and dinner bills in Europe and Asia, as some restaurants tack on an additional 15 percent (usually listed on the menu or check as a "service charge") and do not expect tips. At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d' between $5 and $10 if he gets you a table - more when the restaurant is full and you have no reservations. Tip $1 when you check your coat, and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine bill.
This tipping etiquette will hopefully give you a general idea of the standard tipping rate for different stops along your journey. You are always welcome to tip more when the service is excellent, and when you do, you are sure to see the red carpet treatment all the way.
Upon arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station, tip the standard porter rate of $1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy. Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate for doormen. However, you may want to tip more for special services, such as carrying your bags.
When you arrive at your hotel after a long flight, first things first: Tip the taxi or limo driver. Ten to 15 percent of your total fare is usually expected. If you drive your own car, give the valet parking attendant $1 to $2. If you take a shuttle van or bus, tip the driver $2 per person.
The bellman, who will be more than happy to assist you with your bags
and the door, should receive $1 to $2 per bag. Tip when he shows you to
your room and again if he assists you upon checkout. Tip more if he
provides any additional service. The concierge, who can get you anything
from dinner reservations to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves
$5 to $10 for such feats. You may tip at the time of service or at the
end of the trip. To ensure good service throughout your stay, add a $20
tip to the bill.
Add 15 percent of the bill to a room service charge, unless a
gratuity is already added, then add no additional tip or simply $1. If
you requested something delivered to your room such as a hairdryer or
iron, tip $1 per item received. Typically, the maid deserves a $2 tip
each day, as well.
If you're taking a tour and a tip is not automatically included, tip a local guide $1 per person for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour. Tip a private guide more. If you are on a multi-day tour with a tour manager - someone who travels with the group for several days and is essentially in charge - tour operators suggest anywhere from $3-8 per person per day. Don't forget the bus driver either - $2 per person per day.
When on a cruise, tip according to your comfort level and only on the last evening of your cruise. As a general rule, dining room waiters receive $3.50 per person/per day whereas the dining room assistant waiter should receive $2.00 per person/per day, the dining room maitre'd $3.50 per person/per day and the dining room manager $1.50 per person/per day.
The room steward, for all his efforts, receives $3.50 per person/per day. Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck stewards may be tipped as service is rendered.
RESTAURANT TIPPING ETIQUETTE
Although excellent service calls for 20 percent of the total bill, most U.S. restaurants accept 15 percent as the standard tip. In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also acceptable. The bar tenders, themselves, generally receive between 15 and 20% when you sit at the bar. If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager - don't walk out without tipping. And pay attention to lunch and dinner bills in Europe and Asia, as some restaurants tack on an additional 15 percent (usually listed on the menu or check as a "service charge") and do not expect tips. At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d' between $5 and $10 if he gets you a table - more when the restaurant is full and you have no reservations. Tip $1 when you check your coat, and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine bill.
This tipping etiquette will hopefully give you a general idea of the standard tipping rate for different stops along your journey. You are always welcome to tip more when the service is excellent, and when you do, you are sure to see the red carpet treatment all the way.
TIPPING AT AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS
Upon arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station, tip the standard porter rate of $1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy. Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate for doormen. However, you may want to tip more for special services, such as carrying your bags.
HOTEL TIPPING ETIQUETTE
When you arrive at your hotel after a long flight, first things first: Tip the taxi or limo driver. Ten to 15 percent of your total fare is usually expected. If you drive your own car, give the valet parking attendant $1 to $2. If you take a shuttle van or bus, tip the driver $2 per person.
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TOUR TIPPING ETIQUETTE
If you're taking a tour and a tip is not automatically included, tip a local guide $1 per person for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour. Tip a private guide more. If you are on a multi-day tour with a tour manager - someone who travels with the group for several days and is essentially in charge - tour operators suggest anywhere from $3-8 per person per day. Don't forget the bus driver either - $2 per person per day.
CRUISE TIPPING ETIQUETTE
When on a cruise, tip according to your comfort level and only on the last evening of your cruise. As a general rule, dining room waiters receive $3.50 per person/per day whereas the dining room assistant waiter should receive $2.00 per person/per day, the dining room maitre'd $3.50 per person/per day and the dining room manager $1.50 per person/per day.
The room steward, for all his efforts, receives $3.50 per person/per day. Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck stewards may be tipped as service is rendered.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Child care costs
Childcare Costs Nationwide
What do you pay for childcare? Have you ever wondered if it is the “right” amount? Check out this great article to learn more about childcare costs across the U.S.
Water safety
Children
need constant supervision around water - whether the water is in a
bathtub, a swimming pool, a beach or a lake. Always watch children
closely when they're in or near water.
Keep these safety tips in mind when your host children are in or near water.
Bath Safety:
Keep these safety tips in mind when your host children are in or near water.
Bath Safety:
- Before bath time, be sure to prepare the bath, including towels, bath toys, baby shampoo, etc.
- Ensure the child stays seated while in the bath
- Never have an older sibling be in charge of their brother/sister in or near water
- Dry the floor and the child’s feet after a bath to prevent slipping
- Make sure to drain the tub right away after every bath
Pool/Water Safety:
- No running, jumping or diving around the pool
- Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapment
- Keep a phone nearby in case of an emergency
- If the pool is gated, remember to close the gate
- Avoid distractions when supervising children around water
- Always have your host children wear a life jacket when boating, fishing or playing in or near deep or fast moving water
It only takes one inch of water for a baby or child to drown. Find
more information about water
safety from the American Red Cross.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Happy Spring
Now that spring is here, the weather is warmer and the days are longer. That means that many of us will be outdoors, enjoying sports and outdoor activities. However, some sports and activities also have their risks. Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, injuries still occur. It's good to keep in mind the type of injuries that will be covered by the travel insurance that au pairs have. High risk sports such as sky diving, scuba diving, and bungee jumping are not covered by your insurance. Au pairs who are injured while participating in these sports will be responsible for any doctor bills that result. Sports competitions, such as marathons, are also not covered. So get out there and get some exercise! But it's probably wise to avoid risky activities that might result in injuries that are not covered by your insurance. For information about your insurance coverage, go to www.avi-international.info and enter code 640.642. Au pairs who applied though an STS office should call 1.800.871.9211 with questions about coverage.
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