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It can often be hard to keep kids occupied during babysitting jobs, especially if you are low on energy. Never fear, however. There are many games and songs that can entertain for hours. The following is a list of popular potential activities that you can introduce to babysitting charges:
1. Marco Polo
This game is a favorite with kids. Simply blindfold whoever is "it," and have them find the nearest person with their hands. The "it" person must yell "Marco" while everyone else yells "Polo" in reply. It is best to play this game outdoors, where nothing can be broken.
2. Red Light, Green Light
This game works well outside or in a large room. Simply have one designated person stand with their arms outstretched and yell "red light" or "green light." Have everyone else stand on the other side of the room and run toward the designated person on a green light, and freeze on a red.
3. Duck Duck Goose
This may be an older game, but it can keep younger children amused for hours. Sit in a circle, and have one person walk around, tapping the head of each person that they pass, saying duck or goose. On "goose," the person tapped must run after the tapper around the circle. If the person reaches their seat, the "goose" must sit in the middle of the circle, or the "pot."
4. Coloring
This activity is best for a rainy day. Simply find some books, pull out some crayons and let the children do the rest. Make sure not to use pens, pencils or markers, and these can be harmful when bitten or swallowed.
5. Food Creations
Don't just make sandwiches for lunch. If you can, turn lunch into a game. Take bananas and put raisins and candy on them to make people. Use cookie cutters for bread so that sandwiches have shapes. Try and use combinations of healthy and fun foods, for variation.
6. Simon Says
This game is simple. Simple stand in front of the group and say "Simon says do…" and everyone should follow you. Tell them that they must only act when "Simon says," then occasionally do not say "Simon says" before an action. Whoever follows the commands most closely, wins.
7. Mental Games
Sometimes the best game is to simply think of a number, letter or word, the tell people to guess what you are thinking. Kids love this game because it allows them to be "psychic." Make sure that you keep your mental choice between a certain range, so that they are not guessing forever.
8. Hide and Seek
Finally, hide and seek is a game for all occasions. It can be played in any area. Just pick someone who is "it," then have everyone else hide. When someone is found by the person who is "it," they are then "it" themselves.
Now that we're reviewed these games, good luck! Babysitting jobs are much easier with this list under your belt. Just remember to conduct every game in a fun and safe manner.
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