Help! Babysitting tips, ideas..anything?

Question

I'm babysitting for my first time tomorrow in the evening.
The girl's in 3rd grade so I don't want to treat her like a baby.
I know how to toddlers but I'm gonna need some help with her.
Any info or ideas would help. [=
Thank you.

OOPS. I meant to say I can handle toddlers but I dont know what to do with a 3rd grade girl.

OOPS. I meant to say I can handle toddlers but I dont know what to do with a 3rd grade girl.

Answer 1

Board games are always fun! If you like doing any crafts you could see if she'd like to learn them.

Answer 2

First off, before the parents leave ask them to tell you about anything of their habits(like the toddler I babysitt always has to ahve his blankey or he'll freak). Also ask if there are any bedtime rituals(sometimes kids will need special things) What I do is bring a little tote bag filled with some fun arts and crafts and books that usually children will like. Try going to like AC Moore(or whatever arts and crafts place) and look there, you'll find lots of clean activites so that is anything bad ever happens you'll be prepared. Sometimes I bring gernola bars with me(the healthy ones) when the child is doing a good job. Usually say, "You know _____, you've been really good. And because you have been good, I'm going to give you a treat." When I did that the children are always on their best behavior, but they soon forgot about it somehow....Since you don't want to treat the 3rd grader like a baby, ask her about some stuff, like what she usually does.(Make sure to bend down and make eye-contact)
If you need any more help email: [e-mail]

Answer 3

1. bring a bag or suitcase full of toys and games (things you bring from your house are always better than theirs)
2. I have a rule that there is NO tv. The tv is probably always on when the parents are out, and its a good time to bond with the child, and play games. I usually turn it on before bed or when we are in a big game of monopoly.
3. If you can drive (or if it close by) walk to the ice cream store for dessert...
Good luck!
Remember- always enforce the rules, and tell the parents if the child misbehaves, so that the child can establish rules with you as well.

Answer 4

3rd grade, that's about 9 right? Or is it 8 years old? Either way, ask her about the stuff in her room, play a board game or a card game that way you can still talk to her and get to know her. I am babysitting (she's asleep) and we played the game called "Life". It's a neat board game. If she likes TV, sit her down and watch TV, it's the easy way out but effective.

Good luck!

Answer 5

First thing I would recommend is to talk to the parents and find out what she likes and doesnt like. Also, have the parents tell you what is acceptable and what is not acceptable while she is awake. Other than that just build a repoire with the young lady and ask her what she likes. As long as you keep things within the boundaries set by the parents you should be alright....

Answer 6

Since she is in 3rd grade, let her help you with various things and don't make her feel like a toddler.

Answer 7

Well to entertain t.v. is the best! barney or teletubbies is very useful to keep them distracted from ramaging. Or board games are always fun to enertain you and the girl, candyland is always recomended. Then a little trick is let her outside as long as she wants, she'll run, play, have a swell time.....but sooner or later she'll get tired and have no choice but fall asleep. have her take a nice, warm bath, then that'll really keep her sleeping and a no worky time for you.

Answer 8

If she's in third grade, then you are walkin a fine line. I say you ask what she wants to do, and if she doesn't respond, ask if she would like to play monopoly (or some other grown up game). I know this would have worked on me and my sibs in 3rd grade.

Answer 9

Make a list of things she likes when you go over so that when you babysit her agian you know what you can do. Since you don't know what do do tomorrow mabey some board/video games or a movie might keep her entertianed

Answer 10

Dont talk to her in a baby voice, say in a more mature voice, but no to to grow up, and just ask her if she likes doing so and so.

" So, do you like playing on the swings?''
Or playing a board game?
Or playing webkinz?
\

Something like that. Im sure it will b fin. I babysit all the tiem. Good luck :)

Answer 11

hey
i would love to babysit

i suggest
a) introduce yourself to her
b) crouch down to her when you talk....to her height
c) when the parents leave, suggest playing a board game
d) let her win
e) once thats over, ask if she has any homework
f) dont do it for her - help her
g) read a book to her
h) you read a page, then let her read a page
i) watch a cartoon movie, like madagascar
j) give her some ice cream.
k) before bed, play barbies
l) tuck her in
m) say goodnight.