Learning About Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States honoring African heritage and culture. It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting of a kinara and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift […]

Children’s Books Make the Perfect Holiday Gift We have been discussing giving kids quality gifts is much better than expensive gifts this holiday season. Books are perhaps the best gifts nannies and au pairs can give to children. There is still time to visit your local book store. Think of your charges favorite book series or their favorite characters […]

After the shooting yesterday in Connecticut where 27 are dead, including 20 children, after a man opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School I can’t help but discuss gun control. I really do understand both sides of the debate. Rifles for hunting and protecting one’s home has always been considered a right to many Americans. […]

Holiday Nanny Bonus: Cash Is King, But How Much? By Sue Shellenbarger, Associated Press Instead of a spoon full of sugar, how about some cash? As the holidays draw near, many parents are trying to figure out the best year-end gift for a nanny or sitter. While these caregivers might seem like family members much […]

Lyrics to The 12 Days of Christmas On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree. On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree. On the third day of Christmas, my true […]

Weekly Trip to the Library for Nannies and Au Pairs Books may be the best quality gift caregivers can give to the children in their care. Not only will the children and their parents enjoy the book, they are affordable for nannies or au pairs on a budget. Books are quality gifts because a love […]

How Much are You Spending on Gifts This Holiday Season? When you are strapped for money but want to give holiday gifts make a list of how much you want to spend per person. First, check the Internet for the best prices for stores that are close to you. Making the list and determining your […]

Why a Japanese Au Pair Loves an American Thanksgiving By Nanami A few years ago I came to America from Japan to work as an au pair for a family with two girls in Morristown, NJ. It was a difficult adjustment. Not only was there a language barrier, but I owned just a few non-Western clothes […]

Trip to the Library In the spirit of Thanksgiving (coming up on Thursday) I borrowed some books from the library about thankfulness and the many blessings we have, rather than specifically about the holiday of Thanksgiving. I think these are great choices for children to share the spirit of Thanksgiving. Of course if you prefer […]

Young voters tend to follow the political party their parents support and vote for the candidates their parents tell them to. But, I found these great quizzes to help you determine if you are voting for the Presidential candidate Candidate Matching Game by USA TODAYClick here to take the USA TODAY poll see what the candidates believe. The […]