What are some fun things I can do with 2 children while babysitting?

Question

I normally babysit a little girl every week, 2 days a week. On Wednesday one of her friends is staying with her so I'll have to babysit both of them on Thursday. I know I'm going to take them to the pool for maybe 2hrs but after that I dont know what we are going to do. The little girl I babysit is a handful, she is very hyper and she refuses to take her medication. On some days she is so bad and she wont listen and screams and I dont want her acting like that Thursday while her friend is there, so I was trying to think of some fun activities that I could do with them. Preferably where I dont have to drive anywhere with both of them in my car. I was thinking maybe they could do like a treasure hunt around the house, but I dont know what the "treasure" should be when they find it. I was thinking maybe a box of candy could be the treasure, bc she loves candy but girl I babysit really isnt allowed to have sugar when I'm babysitting her because of the way she acts when she gets so hyper, but any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

how about taking them to the park, or for a walk. If you really want to tire them out take them outside and play games or let them race. Running will get them tired, then they can come in and watch a cartoon. My 4 year old nephew loves it. He likes to work puzzles and draw. Maybe you and the girls if there old enough would like to make a pizza or cookies.

Answer 2

if the weather's good, take them to the park or out in the garden - hyperactive kids should be taken out of the house as often as possible.

you could maybe get a couple of hula-hoops and try and teach them to use them?  or skipping?  if you learn some skipping rhymes you could have them both do that.

alternatively, if they both have rollerskates, scooters or bikes you could take them either to the park or out on the street with them.

you could try cooking with them - making something that doesn't have too much sugar in it.  you could set up a treasure hunt to find the ingredients to their lunch or tea, and then have them make it themselves.  Just be careful to start it early enough that they don't get hungry and cranky before they've made the food!

you could also make some home-made musical instruments:  shakers filled with sand or gravel, elastic band guitars made from a shoe box, or a row of glass bottles, cups or jars filled different amounts to make different pitches - then they can try and pick out tunes on them or play along with a cd.  a plastic storage box or even a cardboard box emptied out and turned upside down makes a great drum!   if either of them plays an instrument or there is a piano in the house they could be encouraged to make a musical piece to perform for the parents when they return.

they could also work out a play or a comedy sketch to perform for their parents - you can encourage them to be creative with making props or costumes.

Answer 3

Here's a sure fire tip for getting invited back time and again by the parents. The parents are tired and boy do I mean tired. Kids are hard to deal with at night when their awake all night, and the key is to get them tired. Take them to the park, long walks, running is always good, feed their brains with books by reading, the list goes on, and the parents will sure appreciate the extra sleep at night and feel good about thier choice in babysitters.  

Answer 4

i like the treasure hunt idea the treasure could be little play jewlry and make up and they give eachother makeovers just one more activity :D

Answer 5

Find out what subjects they like science, mysteries, animals, etc. Bring age-appropriate books with you. If they protest, convince them to try listening to the stories. You should be able to capture their attention if the subject matter is of interest.

Be patient, but firm with them.