Childminding ideas

[nykkieberry]

I have started looking after a little girl aged five after school along with my four year old son; any ideas on cheap (preferably free!) ways of entertaining them? I've tried pulling the toys out etc. but because of the age and gender difference, they argue. I could do with some activities that get them mutually absorbed. Tried the park a few times but it's too blinking cold and muddy!

[Jules001]

what about some sort of craft, you could have them making xmas cards, gift tags or just junk modelling.

[mullein]

if you live in england go to a works book store as they sell stickers that kids like you get about 5000 for �2 and they have lots of craft items really cheap..cant you down load kids colouring pages from internet..as my daughter downloads things to take to the play group for them to colour..you could also ask people for old clothes hats etc and make a dressing up box tell them the best dressed person gets a star and when they have 5 stars they get a treat...or get them to start learning xmas carols and do seasonal activitys like that...mullein

[apricot2]

I used to let my son bake.  Children of that age love to make something they can eat and it can be educational as they measure out ingredients.  You could read to them, preferably a book which has strong visual impact.  Try The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, they will be enthralled.

[Stephlyke]

Try your local library, ours have lots of workshops aimed at that age that are loads of fun, and when you have a childs membership they will usually let you take about 10 books at a time.  My 3 year old has tons of his own books, but still loves picking books at the library.  My  three years old also loves baking salt dough which is sooo cheap to do, and can also be educational as it gives them opportunities to weigh and measure ingredients.

[luc]

wrap them up warm and then put them in the garden with some chalk, tell them what they are allowed to draw on what they like, (if you have anything special then tell them it is out of bounds or remove it)  they will love thinking they are wrecking the place, and next time it rains they can do it all again!