Ways To Entertain Kids While Babysitting
I remember my first time babysitting. I got to watch the kids while also enjoying the snacks and drinks the parents left for us. However, I didn’t know if the kids were having fun most of the time. I wondered if maybe they were having fun, and I was just overthinking things. Looking back on my babysitting adventures and remembering the reassurance I gave myself then inspired this list of ways to entertain kids while babysitting.
Build a Fort
Anyone who hasn’t built a fort out of pillows and blankets is missing out, y’all. I’ll always remember seeing the kids’ eyes light up at the thought of having a private space to play and watch TV.
This one time, we made a fort in the living room and pretended we were on a camping trip—the rugs were the grass, and the lamps were the sun. We imagined the TV was lightning and used a flashlight as a campfire and told stories around the “fire.”
It was a blast. I’m sure you’ll love building forts with the kids you babysit, and they will love telling their parents about your made-up adventures inside the fort.
Go to the Park
If the fort’s not a good idea, see about going to the park. Now that it’s getting warmer outside, it’s the perfect time to get out and see what’s happening in the community.
Even though the park’s a great place to work off a lot of energy, make sure that the play equipment is age-appropriate for each child before allowing them to play.
Create Artwork
If the weather isn’t the best, and the parents don’t want you making a huge mess, try out arts and crafts. It’s a calming activity that develops a new love for crafting.
Find a fun art project everyone can do that’s not terribly messy. Y’all don’t want the parents coming home to find a mess to clean up. Pick your supplies wisely, and make sure the project you select is something easy and fun to make.
Here are some projects I know every kid loves:
- Slime
- Sand
- Papercrafts
- Painting a birdhouse
- Creating windchimes
Bake With the Kids
If there’s a holiday coming up, or you want the kids to learn a new recipe, crack open your recipe app and find something sweet to bake together. Children love helping out in the kitchen just as much as they love licking the spoon, y’all.
If you don’t have any ideas, ask the parents what they recommend, especially if their child has a specific diet or allergy.
Here are some recipe ideas to try:
- Peanut butter brownies
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Strawberry shortcakes
Hopefully, y’all can find something to do from my list of ways to keep children entertained while babysitting. Collaborate with the parents and create your own list now. The kids are going to love what you come up with next!
