The quickest way to building a stellar sitting rep is to
keep those kids entertained…without plunking ‘em down in front of the tube.
Toss movies and TV reruns to the side and try your hand at our favorite
babysitting activities.
Puppet Babies (ages 2 to 4)
C’mon, who doesn’t love puppets? Kids go crazy for them.
Snag some old socks from your drawer, then decorate them with fabric markers
and googly eyes. Ask the kids to help you put on a show.
Chalk full o’ Fun (ages 4 to 6)
Hopscotch is a total classic. Bring along some colorful
sidewalk chalk, then head outside with the kids to hold your own tourney. The
parents will love seeing the artwork when they return, and it washes away with
rain or a hose.
Do-It-Yourself (ages 4 to 6)
Art class is a fave for many kids, so why not bring the
crafts to them? Do simple stuff like Popsicle-stick frames, or help them make cards
that will knock the parents over with glee. Older kids always dig this and can
help little ones with glue and scissors.
House Hunting (ages 7 to 10)
Need a way to keep been-there/done-that kids out of trouble
and away from the TV trance? Organize a scavenger hunt! Have the kids sit in
the living room, while you scope out unique stuff in different rooms. Divide
the kids into teams, and have them search for items using cryptic clues. Give
them a time limit (about a half-hour should do it) to find the goods—and
whoever discovers the most wins a prize!
BY PATRICIA MCNAMARA AND L'OREAL THOMPSON ON 6/14/2012 3:12:00 PM
POSTED IN fun stuff to do with kids, babysitting activities, how to be the best babysitter ever