Carter's children's store in Novi, Michigan held their first "Mom's Night Out" event on June 6, 2013. Invitations were sent to households in the area and moms were invited to come to the store from 6-9 pm where they had the opportunity to look at all the lovely new merchandise and to shop at their leisure. As an added bonus, there were snacks and treats as well as several raffle prizes.
Au pairs from Au pair in America were there to help greet the customers and to talk to moms about the au pair program. The Carter's store specializes in infant and baby clothing and many of the moms were shopping for their babies or toddlers, looking for gifts or buying clothes and accessories for their "yet to be born" babies.
Anna- Leni from Germany (who lives in Milford) has volunteered for several events since she arrived in December. She is always willing to jump in to help and especially enjoyed meeting a mom who lives near her in Milford. They spent time talking with her about her au pair year and how an au pair can help a family with just one child or with four! Au pairs are young ladies who come to the United States on a J-1 visa, live with their host family for a year (or two) and provide up to 45 hours of child care. They earn a weekly stipend and come to provide child care but also to experience a cultural exchange and broaden their horizons. They often form a close relationship with their host family that may last for a lifetime. The au pairs enjoyed meeting the moms and telling them what a typical day is like for an au pair. For those with babies and pre-schoolers, the day often starts at 7:30 or 8 am when mom or dad (or both) head off to work and ends when the parents return. If you would like more information about hosting an au pair with Au pair in America, please contact Carol Benton, 248-489-1407 or cbaupair@aol.com
