How do you babysit for a 2 year old?

Question

I babysit but previously my only jobs were with 6-10 year olds. Now I have an opportunity to babysit for a 2-year-old, which is the youngest for me. I love kids and I'm looking forward to it, but the only problem is that I have very little experience with kids this age and I'm not really sure what to do with them. What do you do when you are babysitting someone who is at such a young age, when they are not very verbal or articulate? As many tips and ideas for activities or approaches would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Lot's of good play ideas were given to you here. The biggest thing to remember is their short attention span so keep the activities or your own animation changing every 10 -15 minutes....they love to discover things on their own, which actually makes it easier for you if it's a safe activity...BUT MOST IMPORTANT....keep your eyes on them ALL the time. These 2 year olds will climb at the blink of an eye or find something unsafe even faster!

Playing on the floor with them is best!

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Just simplify everything. Instead of doing really hard puzzles do puzzles with huge pieces.

Answer 3

a just make sure it doesn't die, and you'll do great

Answer 4

If you're babysitting in the home then it shouldnt be too bad-the child will have they're own toys so you can get a few out and play with the child with their own toys.

Other activities are:

-Chocolate Rice Crispy cakes-child can help pour, mix and then eat the cakes and it only needa choco, a microwave and rice crispies :)

-Singing and dancing to Cbeebies, any dvds they have.

-Take a goody bag or if you're creative make a colourful box from shoe box-u can put pencils, crayons, funky craft things in and do some drawing and things.

-Play in the garden if its nice.

-Water play-if you are bathing the child then have bubbles and toys such as empty bottles, sieves etc!

Ask their parents for ideas of what the child likes and dislikes. Keep relaxed and smily! x

Answer 5

IT is so easy and very fun u just have to watch them 24/7 so they wont get hurt and feed and change them. they love when u play peek a boo are tickele and play with them its easy take my advice

Answer 6

there are differences in physical care-be sure to chek/change diaper every 2-3 hours if wet-and ASAP if stinky

watch out for choking hazards-food may need to be cut up small-toys that are smaller than a toilet paper tube can get caught in teh throat

lots of music, coloring, simple hiding, puzzles, blocks, imaginary play (pretending to be mommy/doctor)

Answer 7

This is a fun age (especially if you are just babysitting) here  are some things to do besides the normal needs such as meals, diapering etc.

-READ READ READ! kids at this age are little sponges and their vocab. expands daily.  If you have some books at home to share bring them over and discuss what you see on the page--  ex. can you point to the dog?  where is the apple?  let's count the babies etc.

-Bring out some writing tools and paper. The scribbling helps coordination and fine motor skills

-Role play with baby dolls, animals etc.  Kids will start to imitate what you do.

JUST HAVE FUN!

Answer 8

I would bring a babysitting bag/box.  Have a movie, some kid's songs on a peice of paper, maybe with finger pupets and pictures, bring some playdough (may want to be sure to clear playdough with parents though).  Coloring books and Crayons, Save Macdonalds toys to take and give- always make sure they are age appropriate.  Bring bubbles, and plan on playing lots of games like ring around the rosie.  The best thing is to be interactive and try to be on the level of the child.  They may already have bubbles or movies at home, but it will be funner coming from your treasure box.  be sure to rotate the contents regularly.  That age is a blast.  Definitely play with their toys with them.  The child and the parents will love you for interacting and not ignoring the child!

Answer 9

:-)  Each toddler is so different...there are some that just entertain themselves...and other that require a bit of entertainment.  Please do not sit them in front of a tv.  :-)  Some things that I do with the children I care for (5,4,3,2.5,2,1 yrs).Remember that these children are at the "I can do it" stage so let them do it!  Offer to help but don't take over...they'll let you know when they need help.

*  dramatic play... these 2 year olds love "tea set" or any kitchen dramatic play.  Add some sun glasses or a hat or two, funny shoes, etc. They get a kick out of this!

* playdough!!!  make it or buy it... there are even edible recipes out there...search the internet...they can even help you make it.

* crayons and paper taped to a wall or floor...the larger the better!  You can buy the brown "gift wrap" at your local store for pretty cheap.

*  SENSORY...by most the favorite...rice, beans, sand, water, water and rocks (dollar store), birdsead, oatmeal, etc...anything really... add some cups, spoons, and other "tools"...They like it when I cut the tops off of juice containers...they make funnels.  When I cut the bottom off of a gal milk container these toddlers ALWAYS go around with them on their head.  :-)

*  painting---take it outside if it is warm enough where you are at... simply using a large paint brush and a bucket of water to paint the house, outdoor equipment, sidewalks is very exciting for them.

*  Collages--- simply providing a glue bottle (expect them to be very interested in the glue!) and various materials to glue on.  I've even let them go with a glue bottle on a piece of cardboard and then we sprinkled colored sand on it.

*  books, books, books... be very animated and include them...talk about the pictures...they are more interested in the pictures...if there are actions...do them!  

*  Nursery rhymes...this age love to sing or hear nursery rhymes.

*  Let them talk...even if you son't understand what they are saying...more likely that not they aren't requiring more than a "mmmhhhmmm" or "really?"  

*  Go for a walk and talk about what you are seeing...stop and check out the puddles...throw rocks in them, drag sticks through them etc.

*  Blow bubbles!  I have yet to meet a 2 year old that does not like bubbles!  Let them blow them too!  Show them how to stomp on them.

*  If it's windy outside...tie a piece of yarn onto a grocery bag and let them run with their "kites".

*  table blocks...stack a tower/knock it down

* washable markers on a sliding glass door---give them a damp sponge...it wipes right off.  They can use large movements then.

*  ball rolling, kicking, throwing...they love balls!  It's especially fun to have the child help you decorate an oatmeal container and place some jingle bells inside and then roll it back and forth...I've also done marble painting inside the oatmeal container and they got so excited about what the paper looked like when it came out after rolling it.

*  Contact paper... tape a section of contact paper onto the wall or floor...sticky side up... provide things that will stick to it but come off well...margarine lids with pictures drawn on them, foamies, woodies, feathers, etc.

* Bubblewrap... tape a large section to the floor and let them run across it and hear the pops... the children also liked to use a toy hammer to make the bubbles pop.  We also use fingerpaint and lots of soap on it...I've used lotion as well on bubble wrap.

*  Paper cup or toilet tissue tube printing... paint on plates with lots of dishsoap... let them print circles onto construction paper...if you get enough soap it will leave a bubble with you "print" and pop into a neat design.

*  Rhythm instruments (you can usually find them at the dollar store or you can make your own) and your voice...or a cd.

Hope these give you an idea! This can be a stage that requires much patience but they are definately fun!

Answer 10

I've babysat for kids as young as two and three before, and there's really not much to it!  They like to play and chat as much as possible and adore attention!  I'd just suggest sitting them down with a favourite toy or something and playing with them for a while, then send them to bed with a story!