Take the opportunity to go outside!

The spring sun is melting away the last signs of winter and all around town you can see people closing their eyes and looking up toward the warmth to soak it in. The sunlight does so much for us, including lifting our moods, so I would like to share some of the activities I used to do with my host children when spring rolled around in California. I had 4 wonderful children ranging in age from 6 to 12. They were a whole lot of fun, but that also came with a load of energy that I preferred to have drained outside of the house. 

 By bringing a few things to the closest park I would create an obstacle course. You can bring a lot more than these things but here are some of my favorites:

• Jump rope 
• Soccer ball 
• A stop watch (cell phone works, too) 
• A stick 
• Water bottles (it gets hot!) 
• And of course a snack or treat for the children when done.

The obstacle course could take any shape or form depending on how many children are participating, but I usually placed some rocks or sticks out to serve as “cones." You would then have one station where they could run zigzag and another one where they could run backwards or do a crabwalk. Children love to do “animal” imitations. 

Let your and your children’s imaginations run wild! They also like to be in charge of different stations.

The jump rope could be used in many ways, such as a balance line. The soccer ball is a great addition for passing around by throwing or kicking.

Just 30 minutes to an hour with these activities and you will have tired children and happy host parents.

Start the clock today and let the best time win!

I think spring is finally here!

Hi there!

It can’t be just me who every year gets tricked by spring. As soon as the first rays from the sun find its way to Stockholm I change my winter jacket to my light spring coat and try to find the first place that sells soft ice-cream. However, a few days later winter always reminds you that spring is not really here. It happened just the other week here in Stockholm – first it was warm, sunny and nice, and then the snow came again. But now, I think it’s officially time for spring, and that’s because me and my co-workers had our first lunch outside! I think that truly is the sign that spring really is here. Because when you can sit outside, enjoying the sun and a nice meal and know that it will probably only get warmer and warmer, that is one of the best feelings I think.

Do you have any signs of that spring has officially arrived to where you live? Regardless it is in your hometown or where you’re currently an au pair, I would love to know! Please share your spring feelings with us on our Facebook-page for example!

Have a great weekend and I hope you’ll enjoy the sun! Best regards, Madeleine

 

Yeay! Våren är här!

Yes, äntligen är våren här!

Denna veckan är den första i April och solen har visat sig hela veckan och alla står o solar på de mest lustiga ställen runt om i stan. Det bästa med våren är att när man går hem från jobbet så är solen fortfarande uppe och det är inte kolsvart ute när man går hemåt. Man känner att man får mer energi och man vill vara ute. I stan har de även börjat med uteserveringar både på restauranger och caféer. Härligt!

Jag vet en sak som jag ska göra i helgen, jag ska ut o cykla! Jag har köpt mig en ny cykel i vintras som jag inte kunnat använda och jag har även införskaffat mig en hjälm. Safety first.

Jga kommer ihåg när jag var au pair för 9 år sedan att när våren kom så ville min sjuåring ut o cykla. Min 3 åring blev genast avundsjuk o satte sig o tjurade. Så det var bara på med all säkerhetsutrustning som jag hittade och börja öva. Hon skrek o tjoade när hon fick cykla. Eller cykla skulle jag inte kalla det, hon satt på cykeln, jag sprang o puttade på... Stödhjul och flagga så man såg vart vi var och sedan var det bara fullt ös. Cirka en månad efter att vi börjat öva så cyklade hon själv, med stödhjul ifall hon skulle trilla. Det var bra stödhjul som fanns där men som inte var i backen förens man lutade lite väl mycket.

Ha en hälig helg!

Carro