Friend Babysiting 4 Kids Needs Help

Hi, I agree that older kids like to do their own thing, but I have 1 suggestion- cooking. something simple if they are new 2 it like making own pizza with a boboli or trader joes crust. fruit sundaes layer chopped fruit, yogurt and granola. older kids can use knives with supervision to chop the fruit. can use internet for recipes, we like to make homemade granola bars, meat balls and guacamole (not together:)maybe could do a crock pot meal. kids today really do not get to cook much and it is very valuable skill to learn as well as reinforcing reading and math skills. Hey its fun!

Hi J.,
I write books about activities for children and also have a website that has many free articles about things kids can do. My "Mother Lode" book has over 5,000 ideas for toddlers through teens and is available on the website. Articles are on many pages, with directories at: http://www.winmarkcom.com/learning.htm; http://www.winmarkcom.com/crafts.htm;
http://www.winmarkcom.com/summercelebrations.htm
The "Mother Lode" book is listed on most pages if she is interested. It's a fun site to visit. Enjoy.
K. Winters, Mother of Family Ideas

Hi J.,
Can I suggest your friend not try to micro-manage the 14 or 11 y.o.s? At that age, they should have a good idea how to entertain themselves, and should be allowed/expected to do just that *responsibly.* (Even a 9 and 7 y.o. should somewhat fit into this category).

Otherwise, there will end up being some very strong resentment / hard feelings after a few of these visits.

t

*Have the 14 year old make a treasure map and hide something so the others can find it.
*Give them time where each of them reads a story to the other group. *Michaels have great paint kits for pottery that all can enjoy. *Board games are a plus.* have a art contest.*Also playdough.... time the kids how fast they can create an object like a person, flag, flower, gardens.
*Hide and seek is still fun for 14 I would think. *Cooking is a great thing too...once a week. Have the 14 year old come back with a receipe and ingrediants that she can make for a treat for the kids.
If they are all brother's and Sister's I am sure...they know how to play together???

familyfun.com always has a lot of fun ideas. It sounds like they are old enough to entertain themselves, but after hours in an unfamiliar house without being able to leave, they might enjoy something fun to break up the monotony.

A couple of things come to mind that take time for the kids to prepare and execute (which helps pass the hours!)...

1. If you have a video camera, have them make a movie and then have a movie viewing party where you make popcorn, soda's or juice etc... You can make home made theater tickets, and serve as the movie ticket person, and concession person. The kids can set up the movie viewing room prior to the showing with tons of pillows, or a bed mattress on the floor, or piles of blankets, air mattress etc... Once their movie is over, you can watch a rented flick for fun too.

2. If you have a digital camera and they can print the pictures on paper, you can give them each time with the camera to take pics of whatever interests them. Then you can have them print their pics, and display on construction paper, or in old pic frames and decorate. You can have a gallery party where they display all their work and get small prizes (which can be homemade or recycled). You can take it as far as dressing up for the showing, having trays of appetizers, playing music in the background, or inviting neighbors or family to come over. If you really want to jazz it up and make it more fun for the 14 and 11 year old, if you invite family over for the party, possibly they can "buy" some of the artwork.

3. Top Chef competition.

4. Not sure the genders of the kids, but if there are a lot of girls they can do a spa party. Give manicures, pedicures, do hair, makeup etc... and then do a fashion show.