Monthly Archive
February 28, 2012
Document Drama
Posted by Erika Clark
This weekend, I had a frantic call from a host mom as their family tried to board a cruise ship. Immigration had stopped the au pair and told the host mom that they were missing documents that would allow her to get back into the US. "We have her visa right here, we told them she was our au pair! What other document could they need?"
My hope is that all of the au pairs (and most of the host families) reading this know the answer. DS-2019! Why is this document so important? The DS-2019 shows that the sponsoring agency (AuPairCare) allows the au pair to travel during her year. While at Au Pair Academy, an agent from AuPairCare will sign this document for the au pair, and it is good throughout the year.
The host mom's next question was "Can you fax me this DS?" Unfortunately, the answer is no. Au pairs are issued one copy by the US government, signed at Academy, and it cannot be replaced. This is why it is so important that au pairs keep their documents safe, and bring them along when traveling. Area Directors or AuPairCare cannot reissue the DS.
In this situation, Immigration stated that they would take a faxed copy of the DS-2019, and the host family sent someone to their home to get it and fax it so the au pair could come along on the vacation. Very lucky indeed, but clearly a lot of unnecessary drama was caused by simply forgetting the important rule: Bring your DS-2019 anytime you are traveling!
February 27, 2012
Daylight Savings Time is Approaching
Posted by Darcy Martin
I love Daylight Savings Time because it is one of the first signs that spring is around the corner. Daylight Savings Time in the United States falls at 2:00 am on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. In 2012, the date to "spring forward" your clocks is March 11th.
Because the idea was conceived by Benjamin Franklin many Americans think it is unique to our country, but it is observed throughout the globe. Approximately 70 countries utilize Daylight Savings Time and Japan, India, and China are the only major industrialized countries that do not observe some form of daylight savings.
Benjamin Franklin initiated the idea of Daylight Savings when he was 78. While in Paris, he observed that shifting the hours of the day would save quite a few candles. Ever thrifty, he pursued the idea and produced the writings titled, An Economical Project.
The variability of Daylight Savings Time is shown in examples of many countries. In the United States, Daylight Savings Time was extended in 2007 to the first Sunday in November. Previous to 2007, it ended before Halloween and officials felt children's trick-or-treating in the light was safer than in the dark. In Brazil, the date varies depending upon when Carnaval falls. The Brazilians always extend Daylight Savings Time to include the week of Carnaval.
Because of the inconsistent nature of Daylight Savings, this is a cultural difference that may be overlooked. Have fun sharing Daylight Savings Time occurrences and customs in your country as a host parent or an au pair. The website: http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/index.html has much more information on Daylight Savings Time in the United States and other countries around the world.
February 24, 2012
Touch for Tots
Posted by Claire Turner
Who doesn’t like a good massage? Well, your baby is no exception to this rule. I know whenever I give my children a massage, they get this blissed out, glassy look in their eyes, and all is calm, if only for a moment… Aside from your baby’s pure enjoyment of a massage, there are also some tangible benefits in taking the time to touch.
According to a recent study at the Tel Aviv University and the University of Haifa in Israel, babies that received a 30-minute rubdown every night for two weeks were more in sync with their mothers - they were most active in the early morning and afternoon. Those that didn't get bedtime massages were awake at midnight. The babies that received massages produced more melatonin, the hormone that helps promote sleep.
In addition to aiding relaxation and sleep in your baby, according to the International Association of Infant Massage, massage also promotes mother/child bonding, boosts baby’s immune system, sooths colic, helps with teething and skin conditions, and also facilitates body awareness and development. So, with this long list of benefits in mind, what are you waiting for?
The low down on baby rub down:
Timing;
Perhaps a good time to give your baby a massage is after her evening bath and just before bed (though anytime you are able to dedicate to it is better than no massage at all).
Tools of the trade;
Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature – around 75 degrees. You can put on some relaxing music if you wish (I particular like Dreamlands from the Putamayo collection), and you can also have some baby lotion or oil at the ready such as Johnsons. Place a towel down on the changing table or wherever you can comfortably lay your baby for the massage, and lie your baby down with clothes and diaper off (and yes of course there may be accidents but babies typically love having no diaper on). Make sure to switch off your devices and switch on to your baby - be present and make eye contact.
Touch Time;
Begin with her feet and toes, moving up each leg in a gentle twisting motion, and also gently pulling down her legs and squeezing knees into chest. Rub her belly in a circular motion, then again gently twisting each arm, massaging little hands and fingers. Take both of your thumbs and stroke outwards from the eyebrows, support your baby’s head and stroke their back in a circular motion. As you practice, pay attention to what your baby seems to like. For more information on baby massage and to locate a class in your area. you can check out infant massage USA
Give your baby a kiss and a cuddle and tell her that you love her. Revel in this special bonding experience (and also hopefully in the blissful baby sleep that follows!)
February 22, 2012
Change a Diaper, Change the World
Posted by Julie Colwell
When my kids were born... it seems like I begin a lot of sentences like that. It was such a benchmark event, right? Life-changing. But after they were born, and I went back to work, it felt like the life I led before -- you know, where you travel and see friends and take naps and volunteer for good causes -- faded into history. Not so for the moms in our blog today. These ladies are rock stars. They're controversial, passionate, determined, and they can all change a diaper on a moving toddler.
Here are a few moms who are changing the world...
Habiba Sarabi - Afghanistan's former minister of women's affairs, culture and education, was a doctor and underground teacher for girls during the Taliban rule. In 2005, she became the first ever female governor of an Afghan province and in 2008 Time named her a Hero of the Year. Today, Sarabi focuses her energies on environmental preservation.
Tina Fey - Who hasn't snorted coffee through their nose at one of her quips? Her prayer for my daughter captured the irony and agony of raising girls. This mom of two daughters is the first woman at the helm of SNL and also the youngest recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Sheryl Sandberg - The COO of Facebook, TED presenter, and mom of two has a long list of career successes, and Business Week credits her as being Mark Zuckerberg's "adult supervisor." But it is her commencement address to Barnard College that went viral (on Facebook? Shocking!) and inspired not only the 2011 graduating class, but thousands of women who were reminded that dreams take hard work to fulfill.
Vandana Shiva - Self described as an "eco-feminist," Shiva launched the Foundation on Science, Technology and Ecology to fight the destructive effects of development in India. The author of several books on traditional farming and organic standards, Shiva won the Sydney Peace Prize in 2010.
It's hard not to feel like a colossal underachiever with moms like these making such amazing progress around the world. But I am reminded and inspired to dream bigger and risk more because of them.
February 21, 2012
Is it working hours when... ?
Posted by Erika Clark
One of the most important parts of my jobs as an Area Director is answering questions regarding the au pairs' schedule. While the answers are not always black and white, we can offer some very helpful guidelines. This week, one of my au pairs emailed to ask about working hours. Karina and her host family understood the maximum of 10 hours a day, but it was what constituted “working hours” that seemed to be a question.
Karina was scheduled from 10am-8pm. While just 10 hours, the host family would not be arriving home until 10pm. Since the au pair would put the children to bed at 8pm, they did not see why hours the kids were sleeping would count as work time.
After hearing from Karina, I got in touch with her host family to go over the work hours again. While her hours worked on paper, they over looked one important rule of thumb: should there be an emergency, who would be in charge of the children? Clearly, with no other adults in the home, the au pair would be the care giver. Armed with this new perspective, the host family adjusted Karina’s schedule to be more in line with Department of State schedule requirements.
February 20, 2012
Safety Tips for a Snowy President's Day
Posted by Darcy Martin
This morning is President's Day and many of us awake to a white, snow-filled morning. The Weather Channel talks of different systems that dropped snow overnight from the mid-Atlantic, over the central plains, and the west coast. Many areas are expecting even more snow as the holiday progresses.
Because of the holiday, children are at home and many are being cared for by their au pair. They are all waiting to run outside and play in the snow. As the little ones are bundled for play, it is important to think of everyone's safety. Cold weather, snow, and children create magical times, especially if everyone is kept warm and safe as they play outside.
Here are some safety tips for au pairs, host children, and parents from Kids Health:
- Lovely Layers: Wearing several thinner layers instead of a few heavier ones helps regulate body temperatures. When you initially go outside, you and the children need every layer to keep warm, but if body temperatures start to heat up from the exertion of playing in the snow, a layer or two can be peeled off.
- Hat Head is Hot (as in cool): As everyone goes outside, make sure they all grab a hat. A lot of body heat is lost through the head and a key to staying warm is keeping the head covered.
- Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize: Besides a hat, other key accessories for cold weather play are scarves, earmuffs, facemasks, and mittens. Covering everyone's face will protect the vulnerable areas such as noses, cheeks, and ears from frostbite. Waterproof mittens or gloves are best or playing in the snow so your fingers do not become wet.
- Simple signs: Watch for the simple sign that one of you has had enough time in the cold. As you get absorbed in play, pay attention to signs that someone needs to take a break to get warm. Teeth chattering and shivering are the most obvious signs, but feeling dizzy and weak are also signs that a body needs to warm up inside.
- Fight the Bite: By wearing layers and covering exposed skin, frostbite should be prevented, but even with the skin covered, it could happen. Signs of frostbite include numbness in fingers, toes, cheeks, ears, or nose. Never put cold fingers or toes in hot water. Always use room temperature water to bring them back to a comfortable temperature.
After play outside, don't forget one of the best parts of playing in the snow...a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream!
February 17, 2012
The need for mommy friends
Posted by Claire Turner
When I had my son 8 years ago, I was not working and as such had time to devote to him and hanging out with other mommies going for walks, coffee, singing groups, baby yoga classes… Ahh what a nice life I had! With my daughter, however, life is very different; living in a more suburban area and with 2 jobs, and as a result, barely enough time to hold down work and juggle basic baby duties, let alone schlepp out to social events. (And yes, in case you were wondering I do need an au pair!)
I did manage lunch with a baby friend this past Friday but I was like a creature starved for fellow mommy chat, so strong is the need for reassurance that you’re doing ok and that your baby is on track: Is Ayla rolling over yet?, sitting up? How often are you breastfeeding now? And what about solids? When and for how long is she napping? And at night? On and on went my interrogations..
So, needless to say, do as I say and not as I do….
Do make time to make mommy friends. Plan play dates and attend mommy and me get-togethers – sure little Owen probably could care less about baby sitting next to him right now, but in time he will, and in the meantime you need the interaction with his mommy, even if it is while singing ‘The Wheels on the Bus’!
Don’t treat the internet as your new best mommy friend! Saying don’t look on the internet is pointless of course, but try not to obsessively look stuff up about baby ailments or hitting milestones - you can totally freak yourself out, believe me I know!
There might be an extra being in your house, one seemingly glued to your hip or breast, but the irony is that looking after baby can be a lonely job. It is easy to lose confidence if you don’t force yourself to get out the house and socialize with other non-dribbling humans, especially the ones that know what you’re going through. So, stop reading blogs for now, load up baby, and head on out for some mommy and me time. I promise I’ll try more too…
February 15, 2012
Childhood Unplugged or at Least Less-Plugged
Posted by Julie Colwell
I gave up on the no screens in the car during our last summer vacation. It's an issue that I find very conflicting. I dislike the zombie effect of small screens, but I'm addicted to the peace. I always thought we'd tell stories, listen to music, and play trivia games on road trips, but everyone is buried in their Nintendo DS or their ipods -- which I bought for them.
However, more and more research suggests that limiting screen time for kids, especially those under five, is critical for their creative and social development. The onslaught of marketing prevalent in television, online, DVDs, video games, and cell phones promotes values and behaviors that... when I think about it, I really don't want in my house.
Did you know?
-- American companies spend about $17 billion annually marketing to children, an increase from the $100 million spent in 1983.
-- Children ages 2-11 see more than 25,000 advertisements a year on TV.
-- There are 40,000 Disney Princess items on the market today.
-- The average ten-year-old can recognize 4000 brands, but can't name ten types of trees at the park.
It's enough to make you want to ditch your cell phone and escape for a hike in the woods. It's not unique to the US either. The WHO in Europe has assembled a network urging companies to reduce marketing pressure on children. Stateside, organizations like the Coalition for a Commercial Free Childhood provides resources on how to reduce consumerism at home and ideas on how to help kids develop the skills and self-discipline to thrive in today's society. Books like Consuming Kids and The Case for Make Believe illustrate how crucial play is for intellectual growth.
Actually unplugging can be difficult. Everything that exposes my kids to advertising is also a tool that I use everyday, so it is going to take some serious discipline to put my phone down, close my laptop, walk away, and hide them all from the kids. But we should try it... when we can... unplug for a little while. Play tag, make playdough, stomp through a creek, throw snowballs. Maybe it will make us more creative moms too!
February 14, 2012
FICA Legislation: What YOU Need to Know
Posted by Erika Clark
As many of you well know, the au pair program is a true gift for many - the chance to leave your child(ren) in the care of a wonderful young woman who spends her days sharing her culture and language while helping them to learn and grow. Many of you have probably also found that this gift is more affordable than you expected, and more convenient for your family.
Unfortunately, this gift is up against something serious, and I believe it's important for host families to understand. As you read this, Congress is considering passing legislation that would impose a 7.65% FICA tax burden on au pairs AND host families. That's right, both parties would be taxed. For host families, this mean increasing the costs of this affordable option and adding even more taxes to working American families.
Even more unfair is the implication of this tax on our au pairs. Since they return to their home country after their program ends, au pairs do not have the opportunity to take advantage of Social Security and Medicaid, which these taxes fund. Imposing these taxes on au pairs for something they will not benefit from seems wrong, especially in light of the fact that they do already file a federal tax return and often do owe some money on their earnings.
Today I want to encourage all host families to review this legislation and to make your voice heard. The Alliance for International Education and Cultural Exchange, an association of many US cultural exchange organizations, has drafted an opposition letter for host famiiles to sign and send to their Senators and Representatives. Click here to send your letter today!
February 13, 2012
Easy, Simple, Valentine's Day Solutions
Posted by Darcy Martin
I have to admit that I am a fan of the internet. I type in any or all of my problems, hit enter, and I receive pages and pages of suggestions on how to solve them. Click, Click, and there it is--a solution that works for me.
Valentines is a perfect example. I always procrastinate until the day before and then need to do something, anything. I am also not a huge, demonstrative person, so simple and easy is how I usually trend.
By typing easy, simple, Valentine, here is what I found. The perfect Valentine celebration for a busy family:
Ingredients (note: there are only 8)
- Salmon Filets
- Salt & Pepper
- Sliced Roma Tomatoes
- Minced Garlic
- Basil
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Parsley
Heat oil in hot pan. Sear salmon filets 3 minutes, skin side up. Remove filets. Add garlic, basil, tomatoes, and saute until most liquid evaporates. Add balsamic vinegar, and serve with sauce. Top with parsley for color.
Family Friendly Movies for all Age Combinations:
- A Cinderella Story-PG-Modern twist on the classic Cinderella story
- You've Got Mail-PG-Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan-Classic boy meets girl next door
- The Princess Bride-PG-Comedy for both adults and children mixed with superb romance
- Lady and the Tramp-G-There is no better love story than Lady and Tramp
If you own these movies or they are at your nearest Red Box, you are all set, but if not, you can instantly stream movies from Netflix. Search for "romance" and you have several choices.
My simple, easy Valentine's Day for your family requires one stop at the grocery store. While there, pick up a box of chocolates to share and "presto" you have a perfect Valentine' Day for your family, complete with low stress and minimal preparation. My kind of Love!
February 10, 2012
Yoga for You and your Baby - Part 2
Posted by Claire Turner
Part 2 - Post-natal yoga
I know, I know, with a brand new baby to contend with you don’t have time to shower or brush your hair, let alone contemplate a yoga class right?! But, hear me out… even if you can’t manage to leave the house for an official class, there are simple stretches you can do at home – even if it means doing a few kegels or head rolls while you are nursing the baby…
Kegels:
Pelvic floor exercises are important when you are pregnant and also after you’ve had the baby. Luckily this is an exercise you can do pretty much anywhere - stopped at traffic lights for example?!
Head and shoulder rolls:
A luxuriant stretch to help loosen up from carrying and breastfeeding baby. You might not have time for a massage, but this might be the next best thing for your tight, tired muscles.
Core strengthening exercises:
While pregnant you’ve not been able to do belly exercises, but post baby, these are key to regaining muscle tone and to protect your back from lifting and carrying. Lie on your back with knees bent and hands behind your head. On your exhales contract the belly and curl up towards your knees. Pause and release. Continue for 3 sets of 10. A similar exercise is to lie supine and lift your legs like they are resting on an imaginary chair. With belly contracted alternately straighten one leg parallel with the floor then the other. Continue on.
Final Resting Pose (Savasana)
When asked which poses they fancied doing? One of my students recently piped up, Savasana – for the entire class! I think we all feel like this at times, that rather than doing energetic poses, we’d rather just lie down, close our eyes and relax...ahhh! This is even more so when you have a newborn and downtime is elusive to say the least. Perhaps while baby is taking a nap, or just before you go to sleep yourself, lie on your back and bring your attention to your breath (yes there is a high chance you’ll just fall dead asleep, and that’s ok!). Focus on the inhales and exhales…Then, draw to mind a picture of your baby and consciously send love to your little one, basking in this feeling, like no other, of mother love…
When you have finished a stretch or class, mentally thank yourself for taking the time out to practice yoga and remind yourself to take some of the yoga you have practiced, out into the rest of your day; to be present and joyful in your time with baby.
Namaste
February 9, 2012
Cold Season
Posted by Julie Colwell
I've never been a particularly germ-phobic mom. It seemed to me that immune systems are like muscles and they need the occasional workout to remember how to function properly. I didn't wash my kids' clothes in Dreft when they were babies. If they had sensitive skin, I figured I'd find out pretty quickly and THEN I could go spend $15 a bottle on detergent. My son Liam has eaten garden snails, an entire tube of children's toothpaste (Poison Control says the kids variety isn't toxic even in large doses), and kitty litter (which is also non-toxic, but can clump in the throat when ingested in large quantities -- yuck!). All three of my kids have consumed more than their fair share of dirt and bugs, and overall, they've been pretty healthy.
Usually, it's our au pairs and international guests that come down with the colds. We've hosted six in the past five years. Almost without fail, between three and four weeks after their arrival, they catch their first American cold. Nothing miserable enough to stay in bed for a week, but a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. So in addition to American culture, we also introduce them to American bugs... and cold medicine.
In the welcome basket I put together, I now include cough drops, tylenol, motrin, and sudafed. I also ask, in advance, if there is anything they are allergic to and suggest they bring some of the own over-the-counter remedies that they are comfortable taking. When you're sick, it's nice to take something familiar. No one has ever had any trouble getting medicine through customs, but I do mention that it's a good idea to check and make sure that what you want to bring is allowed in the country.
Fortunately, everyone has recovered rather quickly and we can get on with introducing each other to different elements of our culture... like election campaigns and American Idol ... hmm... I think I'm starting to get a headache.
February 7, 2012
Au Pairs As Parenting Partners
Posted by Erika Clark
This week on one of my monthly calls, I had a question that unfortunately comes up often with my au pairs. In this particular instance, the au pair was concerned that the host family's four-year-old son was not yet potty trained, and the host parents did not seem inclined to work on this. The au pair was asking me for advice on how to convince the host family to start the process.
While not this particular situation, I often hear from au pairs who are not comfortable with a parenting choice and are unsure of how to proceed. First, let's focus on the good news - au pairs truly care about these kids! They are drawing on the experience they had in their home country and applying it to improve and enrich the lives of their host family. Occasionally, I will hear from a host family in this situation whose au pair has approached them on an issue. The famly is sometimes offended and feel that they know best. Ultimately, this is absolutely the case, but I always point out that it takes a very dedicated and caring au pair to make these types of suggestions and to want to help their host family in this way.
In speaking with these au pairs, I let them know that it is fine to report observations and make suggestions to their host family. At the end of the day, however, it is the host parents who will be making decisions about the children. Au pairs need to be heard, but they also need to respect the host family's desires and needs.
Of course if there is every a serious safety concern, an au pair should discuss it with her Area Director for guidance. In cases such as the potty training, I encouraged this au pair to let the host family know that she was willing and able to assist with the process, but reminded her that it was up to the family and when and how this process was started. Most importantly, I commended the au pair for being an active member of the family and a wonderful, caring au pair.
February 6, 2012
Valentine's Day
Posted by Darcy Martin
This February, we celebrate Valentine's Day. As the story goes, St. Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. During this time, the Emperor, Claudius II decided that single men soldiered better than married and outlawed marriage for young men in the military.
The legend goes on to tell of St. Valentine secretly marrying young couples despite the order. When Emperor Claudius II found out about St. Valentine's actions, he had him put to death on February 14th. Because St. Valentine embraced love, he is celebrated on the day of his death as the patron saint of romantic causes.
Each family celebrates Valentine's Day differently and the way you celebrate with your children will build their expectations for Valentine's Day throughout their life. Below are some good ideas about setting your children's expectations about Valentine's Day from Family Education.
- Encourage your child to make valentines. Buying gifts for classmates should be discouraged. Start early and stock up on art supplies--crayons, markers, construction paper, paste, glitter, and doilies.
- If your child wants to do something special for a best friend that extends beyond a valentine in class, make a special time for them to get together outside of school.
- Children and parents often exchange cards to emphasize their love. You may want to initiate this to help your child understand family love as part of the holiday.
- Remember that as parents, we transmit values to our children through our behavior. If we celebrate Valentine's Day by exchanging expensive gifts, it is likely that our children will want to do the same.
Acts are so much more tangible to young children. By watching you give gifts of kindness, time, compassion, respect, and thoughtfulness to the people you love, they will learn the real meaning of the three words, "I love you".
My favorite Valentine gifts are the coupons my daughter made for me in primary school. The coupons are for hugs, kisses, and cuddles. I still have some left, many years later, and I "cash them in" when my teenager seems too grown-up.
February 3, 2012
Yoga for You and your Baby - Part 1
Posted by Claire Turner
Part 1 – Prenatal Yoga
It’s of no great surprise that pregnancy, childbirth and childrearing take a pretty hefty toll on the body, (she writes as she groans with neck and shoulder pain from hauling and breastfeeding an increasingly heavy baby). I am a yoga instructor, and yet even since being in utero, young Maisie has given me a better work out than an Ashtanga class at a local gym. With this in mind, here are some sample stretches to help keep you in tip-top physical and mental shape, in this part, before baby, and next week, post baby. Bear in mind, that if you attend a class rather than just practicing at home, you have the added benefit of potentially meeting some new mommy and baby friends along the way.
Prenatal Poses:
Pelvic floor exercises otherwise known as Kegels:
I think we all know what these squeeze and hold exercises are as well as their benefits without me having to spell this one out.
Reverse Namaste Position:
To strengthen wrists and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as opening the chest to alleviate future hours spent cradling and feeding your infant. Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position (you can also sit on a folded blanket, bolster or chair). Bring your hands gently behind your back and carefully point your fingertips upwards and bring palms together in reverse prayer.
Side Lying Leg Pulses:
To help strengthen your hips and thighs for childbirth. As the name suggests, lie on your side and pulse your top leg. Repeat on other side.
Squats:
To help strengthen your hips, thighs and stamina for childbirth. Stand with your legs wider than hip width and sit down into a squatting position, either with your back against a wall or away from a wall, and either staying still or moving up and down in a moving version of the pose.
Legs up the wall Pose (Viparita Karani):
To alleviate swelling in legs and ankles in late pregnancy. Elevate your feet on chair or up the side of a wall. Breathe and relax.
Final Resting Pose (Savasana):
To rest, relax and meditate on the wonder of your pregnancy. Lie on the ground with knees bent or supported on a rolled blanket. Close your eyes and connect with your baby.
My body is beautiful and strong
My baby is growing perfectly
The universe loves and supports me and my baby
I am preparing for the divine plan of my life to unfold
Pregnancy is natural and normal, safe and divine
My body knows how to give birth and I will let it
I feel calm and relaxed
I send love to my baby
My body is beautiful and strong.
Namaste.
February 2, 2012
The Top Ten Things We Love About Having Au Pairs
Posted by Julie Colwell
I've asked some of our AuPairCare families what their favorite things are about being host families. Some said the authentic Greek/ El Salvadorian/ French food or adding family members from around the world and learning about where they live. Mine is hands-down sharing the child-related chores. I love cooking, but I hate cleaning, sorting and organizing, so coming home to a house that only has MY stuff laying around is such a relief. (My husband confines his mess to the garage!)
There were lots of different responses, but these were the top ten (from my casual, totally non-scientific survey):
10. Having a bedtime fairy to help get the kids to sleep.
9. That my kids can have playdates after school.
8. Not paying daycare late pick-up fees.
7. Not having to drive to two different schools on the way to work.
6. The second-language my kids are learning.
5. The friendships my kids are developing with each other.
4. The fact that my mom says I'm a better mom, wife, and worker because of my au pair.
3. The margin it creates in my family's life.
2. The standing date night I have with my husband.
1. The affordable flexibility that I didn't have with daycare.
Do you have a favorite part of the program? What is it? How has it changed your family and work balance?
