television, or handing ‘em your phone to play a li’l Angry Birds. This trio of
activities are parent-approved and, um, way more fun than watching the kids
stare vapidly at a screen. Plus, they’ll keep ‘em engaged in things other than
whining, fighting and begging to do all the things that are on Mom and Dad’s
no-no list. Phew!
What Am I?
It’s not quite 20 Questions, but it’s close! Take turns
picking an animal, a person, a number, a concept—anything!—and give the kids
clues on what you are so they can guess. Try to work within the parameters of
what they’re learning in school. For instance, if they’re learning about
animals in the rainforest, pick a parrot. If they’re studying the first
Thanksgiving, pick a pilgrim. The first child to guess right gets to go next.
Story Time
Exercise your charges’ creativity by telling a story
together. Start it with the classic “Once upon a time,” then add a few sentences
to get them going. Pass on the storyteller role to the child and have them
continue it. Keep going back and forth, or around in a circle, until you get to
the end—or can’t talk for laughing at your hilarious creation.
Ani-scramble
Can’t keep the kids from the crayons? No sweat! Challenge
them to draw half of their favorite animal—but tell them not to show it to
anyone else. When they’re finished, cover up most of the animal, leaving a few
leading lines (like the end of the neck or beginning of the tummy) to show
where the drawing should continue. Pass the drawing to another kid (or swap
with your sitting subject) and complete the drawing with your own animal pick.
When you’re all finished, the big reveal of your new animals will be
refrigerator-worthy.
What’s your favorite
game to play while you’re babysitting? Share it in the comments!
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