 | If you have just attained your first babysitting job, you might be considering how you will keep the children busy and safe. There is no need to stress out about this. Children are manageable if you are prepared. Here are some tips about babysitting games and safety precautions. |
Games for Children Under 6 Years Old
When you are watching young people, the best way to keep them happy is to get down on the floor with them. If you play, they will want to also. They are not great at entertaining themselves. Sometimes the simplest babysitting games are the best ones. Puppet shows are always a hit. Young children love stories told with stuffed animals, dolls and puppets. Music is also a sure hit. Just put on some toddler songs and start singing and dancing. Young kids also respond to peek-a-boo and banging on pots and pans.
Moms and dads should have toys that they already approved in the home such as big blocks, stuffed animals and preschool toys.
A word of care: take care of what children in this age put in their mouths. Don’t let kids of this age play with balloons, plastic bags or small toys for risk of choking or suffocation.
Childcare Games for Children Over 6 Years Old
Even though these kids are older and possibly in school, it doesn’t mean that you do not have to play with them. Babysitting should be interactive. Parents appreciate it if you spend time with the kids and not just put the television on. Even playing video games with boys and girls is better than ignoring them and looking at your phone for 4 hours. Simple board and card games are fun and educational to play.
If the weather allows and the parents do not mind, take the kids into the yard. Kicking and catching a ball is great fun. If you have more athletic kids, play basketball or soccer.
Babysitting Games for Older Kids
There are pre-teens who, while somewhat independent, may not be old enough to be alone. You need to watch them without bothering them. Find out what they are interested in and simply keep them company. If they want, you can play Monopoly or some other advanced board game. If they like to watch videos, sit down and watch together. Make sure that whatever you watch is age appropriate. You do not want to upset parents by introducing their young ones to inappropriate videos. If you can go outdoors, take a walk or play a game of catch. Often times the babysitter can become a role model, friend and mentor.
Tips for Easy and Safe Babysitting
Here are a few ideas to make your job easier and more successful:
* At your first sitting, ask the parents or guardians which toys they approve of. If you are bringing something into the home to play with, show it to them.
* Check to see if the kids are allowed to go outside or not. The yard may not be suitable, the house may be too close to the road, or the parents may feel more secure if you keep the kids inside.
* Choose games for the kids to play that are age suitable. Use your best judgement here. Movies and videos should be rated for the age of the children. Games should not have small pieces if the kids are young. Watch out for sharp edges.
* Carry a childcare bag. A childcare set has games, toys, books and coloring books that are age appropriate for the kids you are babysitting. These kits can be lifesavers when the kids become bored with their own stuff. Even if you just bring dollar store items, they items are new and different.
As you take on more and more babysitter jobs, safety and babysitting games will become routine for you. You will learn what works time and again. Not only will your kids be happy, but your day will go by faster and easier.
When you are watching young people, the best way to keep them happy is to get down on the floor with them. If you play, they will want to also. They are not great at entertaining themselves. Sometimes the simplest babysitting games are the best ones. Puppet shows are always a hit. Young children love stories told with stuffed animals, dolls and puppets. Music is also a sure hit. Just put on some toddler songs and start singing and dancing. Young kids also respond to peek-a-boo and banging on pots and pans.
Moms and dads should have toys that they already approved in the home such as big blocks, stuffed animals and preschool toys.
A word of care: take care of what children in this age put in their mouths. Don’t let kids of this age play with balloons, plastic bags or small toys for risk of choking or suffocation.
Childcare Games for Children Over 6 Years Old
Even though these kids are older and possibly in school, it doesn’t mean that you do not have to play with them. Babysitting should be interactive. Parents appreciate it if you spend time with the kids and not just put the television on. Even playing video games with boys and girls is better than ignoring them and looking at your phone for 4 hours. Simple board and card games are fun and educational to play.
If the weather allows and the parents do not mind, take the kids into the yard. Kicking and catching a ball is great fun. If you have more athletic kids, play basketball or soccer.
Babysitting Games for Older Kids
There are pre-teens who, while somewhat independent, may not be old enough to be alone. You need to watch them without bothering them. Find out what they are interested in and simply keep them company. If they want, you can play Monopoly or some other advanced board game. If they like to watch videos, sit down and watch together. Make sure that whatever you watch is age appropriate. You do not want to upset parents by introducing their young ones to inappropriate videos. If you can go outdoors, take a walk or play a game of catch. Often times the babysitter can become a role model, friend and mentor.
Tips for Easy and Safe Babysitting
Here are a few ideas to make your job easier and more successful:
* At your first sitting, ask the parents or guardians which toys they approve of. If you are bringing something into the home to play with, show it to them.
* Check to see if the kids are allowed to go outside or not. The yard may not be suitable, the house may be too close to the road, or the parents may feel more secure if you keep the kids inside.
* Choose games for the kids to play that are age suitable. Use your best judgement here. Movies and videos should be rated for the age of the children. Games should not have small pieces if the kids are young. Watch out for sharp edges.
* Carry a childcare bag. A childcare set has games, toys, books and coloring books that are age appropriate for the kids you are babysitting. These kits can be lifesavers when the kids become bored with their own stuff. Even if you just bring dollar store items, they items are new and different.
As you take on more and more babysitter jobs, safety and babysitting games will become routine for you. You will learn what works time and again. Not only will your kids be happy, but your day will go by faster and easier.
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