LIFE

With so many kids attached to Game Boys, Xboxes, and the Internet, board games might just be a novelty to your charge. Call on the classics—or maybe their junior versions, depending on the age of the child you’re babysitting. Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Trouble, and Sorry are great for the younger crowd. Monopoly, Life, Battleship, and Guess Who? work well with the older set.

An art project will give the child the freedom she doesn’t often see in her day-to-day schedule. Provide some options and then let the child choose what she wants to do. Then, offer guidance but let her express her creativity however she pleases.

Need some ideas? Make a fall leaf collage, play with finger paints, build a house out of popsicle sticks, or paint scary Halloween masks on paper plates. The options are endless!

Take It Outside

What parent is going to object to some fresh air? Jumping rope, hopscotch, and sidewalk chalking are easy driveway activities.

If you want to bring the action to the backyard, consider setting up an old-fashioned game of croquet or badminton, playing catch, or planning a treasure hunt.

Play Pretend

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