Fun things to do with kids?
By Live2Learn
@Live2Learn (272)
United States
December 19, 2007 1:08pm CST
Okay, I have recently taken up the responsibility of babysitting a 3 year old and a 4 year old along with the 3 year old and 5 month old that I have already. On the nights that these kids are here, the house is very full and it is very small! There are quite a few incentives to watching the kids, so I would like to keep doing it, however, I am going insane!
The stress level always seems to be up on those nights b/c the kids fight over who has what toy, they can't seem to eat dinner without laughing hysterically and fooling around, they tattle....I know that kids will be kids and it is the ages, but....
I guess what I am looking for are some suggestions on what to do with the kids. I mean fun things to do with them to keep them occupied so that my boyfriend and I don't get so stressed. Any suggestions?
2 people like this
7 responses
@keminem001 (779)
• Saint Lucia
20 Dec 07
there are lots of fun things to do with kids. going to the beach, camping, going fishing, going to the park, playing sports etc. i personally like going to the beach. it's the only place where i can bathe and have fun at the same time. when i'm on the beach i usually play volleyball sometimes soccer. i have lots of fun when i'm on the beach.
@Live2Learn (272)
• United States
20 Dec 07
I love the beach too and I love all those things you listed....however, i am at a disadvantage, I watch these other kids at night. so we can't go to the beach or go camping. Not to mention it is snowing here....blah! But thanks for your input :-)
@Katrina901986 (405)
• Australia
20 Dec 07
Since it is near christmas try to teach them how to make christmas decorations. Print out some photos with pictures of santa with reindeer for the kids to colour in. What about trying some books with numbers and shapes and colours that way it is fun and educational at the same time. Or kids cards so they can play snap or memory. Hope that it help you out and good luck with the child minding.
@Katrina901986 (405)
• Australia
20 Dec 07
Glad to be of help and i only have one child. But i remember some of the things me and my brother and sisters used to do as kids.
@Live2Learn (272)
• United States
20 Dec 07
Those are some great ideas. I will try them. I do have some books like that, but it is like the boys are more interested in crashing cars than sitting down, so it only lasts a little while. The color some pics to take home to mommy and daddy then they are done. Having some different stuff would be cool....thanks.
@Live2Learn (272)
• United States
20 Dec 07
How many kids do you have? Do you work out of the house or stay-at-home?
@kellys3ps (3723)
• United States
31 Dec 07
I have special buckets that we only take out for times when they are going crazy to calm them down. The buckets have things like leggos, playdough with tons of cookie cutters, craft projects, etc. They really help!
@aseretdd (13730)
• Philippines
20 Dec 07
Having that many kids around is really a handful... why don't you let them watch fun kids videos like Hi-5... my baby and niece would always stay put when Hi-5 is on TV... kids love the song, dances, and stories... you can even dance and sing with them... this watching time can be your rest time... this can be your break from the noise and fighting...
@Live2Learn (272)
• United States
20 Dec 07
Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think I have heard of Hi-5. I do try the videos/movies however and it works for a little while. Some nights it works the whole time and that is a blessing b/c I can rest and take care of the baby. It really gets full around here. On those nights there is me, my man, our baby, my 3 year old, his 11 year old and 7 year old, the 3 and 4 year olds that I babysit....all in a 2 bedroom house!!! LOL, so when one doesn't want to watch the movie, starts running around again, then they all do.
So I gladly accept any good video ideas!
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
19 Dec 07
To avoid fighting over toys, try to have things that are easily shared, like blocks, crayons, things like that. Try art activities, dress up, musical activites, things they can do independently as well as together.
These articles have some suggestions for fun activities to do with young children.
http://www.helium.com/tm/617579/broken-crayons-youre-wondering
http://www.helium.com/tm/296694/think-games-think-rules
http://www.helium.com/tm/286131/child-educational-there-choose
Hope something here helps.
@Live2Learn (272)
• United States
19 Dec 07
Thank you. I will check it out. I know that coloring and drawing is fun for them for a few minutes, they like to take pics home to their parents. We have a lot of blocks...should probably put those to use! thanx for the suggestions!
@frankyluo (54)
• China
20 Dec 07
i envy you that having baby,but i can't help you,because i have no experience.have a nice time with you children,good luck.
