The kids are driving me NUTS!?

Question

I nanny two kids - boy, 8 and girl, 11 - from 8 am to 6 pm M-F.

This is what our schedule looks like: 8 am i arrive, they are waking up. i pack lunches while they watch tv and get dressed, etc. at 930 we leave for activities that last from 10-12 or 1pm. then we eat lunch. the next thing that happens everyday is at 530, we either have a nother sport activity, or the parents come home. between the hours of 1 and 5, it is 4 hours of bickering and sarcasm! I try to plan activities, but you can only go to the park so many times before it gets boring, we only have a $30 a week allowance for activities, which we definately use.

what are some activities that we can do for four hours (if they can include a partially trained dog as well, that would be wonderful) that will make them stop fighting? it gets so bad that I have pulled over on the highway to make them stop.

oh, and the last 15 minutes of ever day they are angels... it's very difficult. i've been with them for 4 months.

Answer 1

Take the kids to Six Flags and use a little money out of your own pocket and make a chart for every time they fight that is one ride they have to sit out.Each week at the end of the week promise to take them somewhere.The M-T let them play games, take them roller skating, take them bike riding, etc. The make your chart and every time they are bad that is 5 min they have to sit out. Hope that you can use my advice.

Answer 2

swimming at a community pool is usally cheap.

Answer 3

Perhaps you need a career change?

Siblings always argue.  Always have, always will.

If you want an activity for kids and dogs there is not much beyond long walks.

Edit:  My daughter can't argue with her brother. Sadly he died just after she was born (he was 6)  I bickered with my own brother right up until he left home.  I think it's just a thing siblings do and all my friends complain about their own kids fighting.  They fight even when they are occupied.  The way I look at it, if one of them was threatened by another kid then they would stick together like glue and protect each other and few adult siblings fight.

Answer 4

To be honest As a mother I have to say its hard to get siblings to stop fighting. You can try to take ther minds off each other by keeping busy. Including a dog you could have them play fetch with the dog and tell them you need them to train him and let them think they are or even let them really try. They may feel good doing that. Giving the dog treats and teaching him to roll over things like that. Teaching him to retrieve, Could be very time consuming if that what you need. Otherwise without the dog Id say, bowling and roller/ice skating is fun, maybe 2 of the days with the money your given. Maybe with some of the money you can buy crafts from a craft store and get them involved with that. Have them make things to hang in there room or something. take them bike riding, Things to tire them out so maybe they wont bicker soo much.  You could even try board games and play too. On a yucky day try watching a movie. I wouldnt say spending your own money on them, That would be fair to you at all! There not your kids. This is your job.  If you need more money for them maybe ask the parents.  BUt there is alot you can do without money. You can even make it a game by letting them choose things they wanna do and write it down and put it in a hat and picking. When that child acts out there choice gets taken away and given to the other child. Maybe they will learn to be better???