Any ideas for keeping kids busy all day?

Question

I'm a nanny for a 4year old and a 20-month old. They are both girls and I'm having a hard time keeping their attention. I'm with them for 8 hours 5 days a week and I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions?

I didn't say that I didn't know how to keep them busy...i was running out of ideas. I don't appreciate the comment about how i got the job to begin with. That had NOTHING to do with the question. I was just asking for ideas...thank you to everyone else for giving me some. :)

Answer 1

dvd and player

Answer 2

I'm a big outing person - if you can get in one outing a day, that kills at least half the day. Try going to parks, indoor playspaces at malls, take a music class with them, join a playgroup, just play out in the backyard, have a picnic, etc.

For the rest of the day, my 4 year old daughter is really into anything arts and crafts. to include the 20 month old, maybe try making playdough, do finger painting, etc....

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Take them to a playground, for a couple of hours, read stories, get down and play WITH them. (candy land is a great game for both as well as matching card games). Give them toy musical instraments and let them make some noise. You're a "nanny" and have no idea how to occupy a toddler? How did you get the job if you weren't trained in it?

Answer 4

Any kind of crafts, something that will take a little time at different times of the day keeping them excited to work on them.

Answer 5

give them a coloring book?
How about those Little Einsteins videos,cartoons,Nickelodeon (kids shows are on in the morning) TV always kept me busy when i was 4..

Answer 6

You should try letterboxing. You can get mroe info at www.atlasquest.com. :) My 4-year-old loves it.

Answer 7

just get toy and play with them when you are free