Babysitting in a Bag!

For some sitters, time is an enemy.  They just stand and watch the clock waiting for the time to pass until the parents return. But it doesn't have to be that way. I have babysat children ages two months to twelve years, in groups of two to eleven and I have found one very useful tool--my babysitting bag. When I walk in to baby sit, after the kids give me hugs and hellos, they head straight for the bag. Although children will always have their own toys, other people's things always seem to be more interesting. Besides, you don't always know what will be in the house for activities with the kids. Over the years, I have found some things that work, so here are some suggestions on what to bring when going baby-sitting Don't worry if you don't have a lot of cash to invest. Most of the items can be found at home or bought cheaply, and over the years you can add to your collection. However, a good rule is to not bring anything you want to stay nice. If you have a stuffed animal that you've had since you were four, you might want to leave it at home. Take things from your home that you don't care if the kids play with or accidentally mess up. I recommend that you buy a gym bag or a tote bag specially for babysitting. The kids will love it!!! 

Coloring books and crayons.  Children love to color and draw!! Coloring books are a great way to pass some time, and you can also use Bible coloring books to teach kids about the Bible. 

Games Over the years, I have tried playing games like Monopoly Junior and Sorry with the kids. While games like these are a lot of fun, they always presented problems. The little kids couldn't play and were always crawling over the board or moving the pieces. One game I have found that works really well is Mickey Mouse Yatzi. Even young children will have fun shaking the dice and throwing them out. The thing that makes it interesting for older kids is keeping track of the score on an interesting scoreboard. It's a perfect game for all ages. Some other good games are Don't Break The Ice, Twister, Chutes and Ladders, Monkey's in a Barrel, children's dominoes, and Guess Who. Some special card games like Old Maid and Go Fish are nice to have also. 

Puzzles These are fun to do with a group of kids, or for one child to do alone. The puzzles need to be fairly simple, so older kids and younger kids alike can do them. I have three puzzles that I carry--one with big plastic pieces, one with 10 pieces, and one with thirty. The big flat ones that come in a cardboard frame are great, too. 

Crafts What fun!!! Children are naturally creative, so why not pack some supplies to let their imagination soar?!  Here are some essential craft items: White paper and colored construction paper (whole sheets and scraps) Regular scissors (if you have some different shaped scissors, you might want to bring those also) Glue, Paper plates (for masks or wreaths) Yarn, glitter (very messy but a lot of fun) Markers and crayons, Stencils, Uncooked macaroni (great for making necklaces or for gluing to paper in a design) Big beads Paper bags, (for puppets) Watercolors, Magazines, (for collages) Scotch tape stickers, Newspaper to cover the table And anything else you choose to add!!! 

Cookbooks Sometimes it's fun to try your hand in the kitchen and let the kids make some snacks or dinner. I take some very easy recipes. However, if you decide to bake or cook with the kids, it's good to get the parents permission beforehand. 

Stuffed animals While usually not a favorite, stuffed animals are handy to have when children are sick, sad or hurt. 

Books I love to read aloud to kids, and they love to listen to stories. There are many great kids books out there, and I have also read chapter books aloud over many babysitting settings. You also might try making up some stories. If the children know how to read, you can take turns reading chapters or pages. They will love to show you how much they know, and the parents will appreciate it also. Some favorite book series are: Magic School Bus, Berenstain Bears, Dr. Suess, Golden Books, Madaline, Little House on the Prairie, different classic fairy tales, and various Bible stories. 

Outdoor fun When it's warm outside, it's great to take the kids out and let them have some fresh air and exercise. You can add some things to your bag that are especially for outdoors. It's smart to keep a tube of sun screen just in case you can't find any. Colored chalk is perfect for making a masterpiece out of the driveway. Bubbles are a blast, and small balls are also fun. Jump ropes, frisbees, and relay games are a good idea too. Also, water fun is a great pastime in the summer. All you need is a hose or sprinkler, parental permission, a few kids, bathing suits, and fun!!! 

Holiday Themes When it's around a holiday, there are so many actives you can do. Thanksgiving, make paper turkeys or thankful lists. Christmas, cards, ornaments, cookies and presents. Easter-color eggs and have a egg hunt. Tell story of the ressurection. Forth of July, Draw fireworks or flags. Valentine's Day, make Valentines or have the kids draw a picture of someone they love. These are just the main holidays!!! There are so many activities and crafts that you can have with a holiday theme. Check out your local library for craft books with holiday ideas. Also look for the book Chase's Annual Events. It lists a whole bunch of interesting and fun holidays that you don't hear about. Who says you can't celebrate French Fry Day, National Yo-Yo Day, and National Ice Cream Day? The kids will love these "special" activities, and it will get them excited about the upcoming holiday. Also, you can do crafts or activities with a seasonable theme. 

Tapes While the kids are playing games, dress up, house, doing crafts or whatever, you might want something to listen to. Kids love to listen to Bible songs, silly songs, or stories like Adventure In Odyssey or Psalty. It's also helpful at bedtime because the kids will (hopefully) quiet and listen to the tape. Be sure to check with the parents if you are not sure what stories the kids are allowed to listen to. 

Legos and blocks Towers and building are fun to make with blocks or Legos. The big Legos are safer because young children cannot choke on them, yet they serve the same purpose. Big wooden or plastic blocks are also nice. Children often spend many happy hours making Lego mansions or building towers and knocking them down. 

Your talents Do you know how to make braided bracelets? Play an instrument or sing? Have a special craft that you're good at? Know how to tell stories? Are you good at sports? Share with the kids!!! They will love everything you teach or show them. Always bring your examples and they will have something to aim for. Have fun sharing whatever God has given you. 

First Aid Kit This is the most important item in your bag. Have a kit or ziplock with Band-Aids, children's Tylenol, (make sure and get parents permission before using.) large Band-Aids, plastic bags (for ice) tweezers (for splinters), and cotton balls. Hopefully, you'll never have a major medical accident, but it's good to have supplies for little bumps and scratches. It's also important to have some basic medical info handy, as well as emergency numbers. Being prepared to keep your little charges safe is a wise idea. 

Ta-da!!! There's your babysitting bag and all you need now is a job to try it out. Although it's very special and handy, you'll need to use your imagination and enthusiasm to make it work. The parents will always be very impressed that you've come so prepared, and you have some actives ready. Use your own creativity and ideas to personalize and enlarge your collection. Anything from your own childhood kids will love. Have fun! 

About the Author: Lindsay Branson enjoys writing, Bible Quizzing, reading, and of course babysitting! she lives in Kansas City, MO, and is a frequent writer for Christiana. 

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