- Au Pair Experience
- How to Apply
- Meet Host Families
- Au Pair Training
- Life in the USA
- Why AuPairCare
- Common Questions
- Extend Your Stay
- Current Au Pairs
- Refer A Friend
800.428.7247
Childcare Tips
You learn a lot in your 4-day orientation and training program, and even more about how best to care for your host children from your host parents. This page provides you with some tips and ideas about playing with your host children. Playing is how children practice and perfect motor skills, and learn about the world around them. Playing helps children to grow intellectually, physically and socially, so it is one of the most important parts of your job. Let the fun and games begin!
Newborn to Three Months
Offer the baby any of the following, but make sure they are safe for his age (no small pieces that may be chewed, or long strings):
- Rattles
- Soft animals, dolls or balls
- Toys that squeak when squeezed
- An unbreakable mirror
- Soft books with patterns
- Objects that are brightly colored
Ways to interact with baby:
- Hold, rock, sing, coo and talk
- Make funny faces and noises
- Play 'Little Piggy' with his toes
- Blow kisses on her belly
Three to Six Months
Add any of these toys (again making sure they are safe):
- Plastic or board books with large pictures
- Play blocks of wood
- Plastic keys or rings
- Toys that roll
- Floor mat or activity gym
- Teething and Musical toys
Ways to interact with baby:
- Play all kinds of music
- Play imitation - encourage the baby to copy you
- Point things outside, in the room, etc
- Read books
- Move baby's arms and legs in rhythm while you sing
- Play peekaboo
Six to Twelve Months
A baby develops lots more skills in this time (sitting, crawling, picking things up) so you will have lots more ways to play than before. Play games that get her moving, exploring, thinking and learning.
- Offer toys that get her moving - push/pull toys, stacking toys, safe household objects, small riding toys, balls and blocks
- Practice and help him sitting, rolling over, crawling, walking.
- Hold him in a standing position on you lap and encourage him to bounce
- Practice reaching - place a toy just out of her reach, and cheer her on as she try to grab it
- Go cruising - visit the park, library, playground, backyard or other busy exciting places!
- Talk - speak slowly, clearly and simply. Tell her what everything is called
- Songs and movement - clap hands, 'itsy-bitsy spider', 'ring around the rosie', etc.
One to Three Years
For toddlers, play is a great way to learn and practice social skills, develop their muscles and use up some of their endless energy!
- Swinging on a swing, sliding down a slide
- Pounding and shaping play dough
- Hopping, skipping and jumping
- Running races, playing ball or riding on toys
- Playing make believe, dress up or making up stories
- Finger painting, drawing with crayons
- Playing with sand or water
- Singing songs and dancing
- Reading books
- Playing 'follow the leader'
- Play dates with other children
Four to Six Years
With a preschooler there are lots of games and activities to choose from. Here are just a few ideas.
- Bike riding, ball playing, running, etc.
- Make believe, dress up, treasure hunts
- Creative projects - building with blocks, paints and crayons, collages, clay sculptures, making necklaces, etc
- Simple board games
- Musical games - singing, playing instruments, playing 'freeze dance' (dance until the music stops)
- Play dates with other children
- Lots of reading!
*Adapted from the 'What to Expect Baby-Sitter's Handbook' by Heidi Murkoff
Earn $1000 more as
an AuPairCare au pair!
In July, the au pair weekly stipend will increase: this means you can earn over $9000 a year as an au pair!
