How to Entertain Kids When You Are Babysitting (B)

How to Entertain Kids When You Are Babysitting

Keeping kids entertained when you’re babysitting isn’t always easy. Fortunately, between playing games, making arts and crafts, and going outside, there are plenty of activities you can do to keep the kids you're babysitting entertained and happy.

In a Hurry?

The best way to entertain kids when you’re babysitting depends on how old the kids are. If you’re babysitting toddlers, play easy baby games like peek-a-boo and Simon Says. If you're babysitting preschoolers, do mess-free crafts and play letter and number games. If you’re babysitting kids in elementary school, play board games, do some painting, or play catch outside. If you’re babysitting older kids in middle school, cook with them, play chess, or take them to a nearby park. For more ways you can entertain kids you're babysitting, read on!

Entertaining Gradeschoolers

1.Play board games if they want something simple to do. When you’re looking for a board game to play, look on the box to see the recommended age range. Play easier, learning-focused board games with a younger gradeschooler. Play more challenging board games with an older gradeschooler.

Try board games like Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Guess Who if you’re playing with a younger gradeschooler.

If you’re babysitting an older gradeschooler, you could play board games like Monopoly, cards, and Yahtzee.

2.Paint or draw with markers if they're feeling creative. Lay newspaper down on the table and set up a painting and drawing station. Use washable, nontoxic kids paint and markers in case they get any on their clothes or skin. When they’re are finished, have them write their name on their artwork and give it to their parents when they get home.

3.Get permission to do active outdoor games and activities. Grade schoolers have a lot of energy, and playing outside can be a great way for them to get some exercise and have fun. Make sure they’re not running around near the street and that you keep an eye on them at all times.[8]

Play catch. Get a softball or wiffle ball and you can toss it back and forth. If they have a wiffle bat lying around, you can make bases and start a baseball game.

Run around outside and play tag. You can try different tag variations like freeze tag.

Have a scavenger hunt. Hide a bunch of items in the backyard and have them try to find them all as quickly as possible.

4.Watch an age-appropriate movie if they want to relax. Ask the grade-schooler you’re babysitting what movie they want to watch and watch it with them. You can even make popcorn so it’s like you’re at a movie theater. Before you watch the movie, check the rating to make sure it’s appropriate for someone their age. Stick with movies that are PG, and avoid movies that are rated PG-13 or higher.

Entertaining Older Kids

1. Do complex arts and crafts if they want to make something. Come up with a challenging craft idea before you arrive to babysit and bring the necessary supplies with you. You can also look up a list of craft ideas on your computer or phone and ask the older kid you're babysitting which one they want to work on. Avoid projects that are too easy or older kids might find them boring.

Try making flip books. Give them a notepad or stack of sticky notes and have them draw a slightly different image on the bottom right corner of each page. Then, when they flip through the book, their drawings will look like a short animation.

Make jewelry. Bring a jewelry-making kit with you with thread, yarn, beads, and other things they can use to make bracelets or necklaces.

Build molecules using cotton swabs, cotton balls, and glue.

2.Play challenging strategy games if they want to do a low-key activity. Older kids prefer games that involve strategizing and thinking. Avoid easy games that older kids might find boring. You can even teach older kids a brand new game, or bring a game that none of you have played before.

Teach them how to play chess.

Play a strategy card game like Hearts or Rummy.

Play strategy board games like Risk and Mastermind.

3.Make food together if they're hungry. If you’re in charge of dinner, ask the older kid you’re babysitting if they want to help you make something instead of ordering out. You can make pizza or have breakfast for dinner. You can even have a mini cooking competition to see whose dish turns out better.

4.Take them to a nearby park if you have permission. Try to find a park that has a playground. Pack a bag with water, snacks, and a blanket so you can sit on the grass. Bring some games with you if you’re going to be there for a while.

5.Give them privacy if they need it. Older kids may not want to be constantly entertained by a babysitter. If they want to spend time in their room or do something on their own, let them. Watch TV, read, or find something else to do while they’re busy. Just make sure they’re not violating any rules their parents established.

For example, if their parents told you they aren’t allowed to use the family computer, check to make sure they’re not using it.

6.Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Older kids may test your limits and push back when you try to enforce the rules. If the kid you’re babysitting is doing something they’re not supposed to, it’s OK to tell them they need to stop. Don’t yell or get angry, but do be serious and persistent if they try to ignore you.[11]

For example, if the kid you’re babysitting is playing video games even though their parents said video games are off limits, you could say something like “Hey, your parents said you’re not supposed to be playing video games. Turn them off and let's find something else to do. Want to order food?”