babysitting

Hi! I just got a call from my brother. He wants me to go over and babysit for them on Monday. Problem is that my nephew is going to be 4 and my niece is going to be 2 this month. I don't know the kids well, because we don't get to the city as often as we should. I know that my niece is a bit layed back and my nephew is very very very active.
Anyone have any ideas on how to survive the day (and possibly the next day) with the two little rugrats?

Valium

Originally Posted by Sylorna

Anyone have any ideas on how to survive the day (and possibly the next day) with the two little rugrats?

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Yeah, don't go.

im baby sitting tomorrow but to a 7 year old.
She talks alot and loves toys so its just better to play with them with the games they like untill its dinner time and sleep time

and PLace them on the tv with spongebob hehe

You'll have a wonderful time spending this quality time with your niece and nephew! Be sure to have contact #'s to reach your brother and also who to call in an emergency, just in case. Ask your brother to tell you their general routine throughout the day, what time they usually eat, play, and their ever important nap time! For naptime, how do they usually lie down for their nap. Ask what each of them should eat, as well as their favorite toys, books, games, etc. The more you stick to their usual routine, the less they will feel disrupted by their parents being away. Just a couple of thoughts. Most of all, have fun!

Originally Posted by katl8e

Valium

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Originally Posted by katl8e

Valium

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Yes, I agree - slip it in their chocolate milk!

True story- there was a gal in my college class in Alaska that was a "nanny" we became friends, and I studied with her while her two charges were asleep- they were 4 and 2. I was always amazed that these kids napped so hard.

One night when we out to a party she confided in me that she gives her "charges" Nyquil!!!!!!!!!! That way she can get her homework done without having to put up with them! I ended up reporting her to the agency that she worked with- they fired her after investigating. The mother called me to thank me for reporting her. It truly stunned me-

You need activities for these kids, drawing, coloring books, activity boards, stickers, Get a huge cardboard box, the kind a small refrigerator comes in and take it over there, let them decorate it, you cut holes in it and let them have a castle, or a house or whatever their imagination wants them to do- read to them, tell them made up stories, play hide and seek- just have fun with them- they are fun at that age when they aren't yours- and you can just give them back-

Also look online for activities for small kids there are tons of websites

I'm sure they will love you. You may be nervous about this but you can bet your life they will be really excited. They'll think it's great that they have auntie coming over to see them. You've have some great advice above and I'm sure by the time you leave they'll be your number one fans! Yes, know their routine, the things they like to do and when they have their nap. Take contact numbers and follow your gut instinct.

My daughter is 18 and doesn't have a great deal of experience with kids she is just natural and their (older, but responsible) friend. She babysits for 5 children (yes, at once

) and gets on great with them.

Originally Posted by hissy

One night when we out to a party she confided in me that she gives her "charges" Nyquil!!!!!!!!!!

That way she can get her homework done without having to put up with them! I ended up reporting her to the agency that she worked with- they fired her after investigating. The mother called me to thank me for reporting her. It truly stunned me-

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OMG.
What was she thinking? I suppose she wasn't.
I gather you were no longer friends after this incident? Did she confront you about it?

And to the original poster: we are all kidding about the valium of course
Unless you want to take some yourself
Hissy's ideas are all great ones to keep the kidlets occupied.

Cheers and good luck!

Originally Posted by hissy

One night when we out to a party she confided in me that she gives her "charges" Nyquil!!!!!!!!!!

That way she can get her homework done without having to put up with them!

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Unbelievable! Good for you for reporting her, MA!

well i want babies... but of course having your own is always different from looking after others!

Hissy what a bad girl she was! im so glad you reported her.

I wouldnt slip anything into any kids drink, unless they had a serious problem and the stuff was prescribed by doctors and parents.

On a serious note - the above ladies are right. Our niece thinks our daughter is just the greatest - why? Because Jennifer "plays" with her. Jen spends time doing things with her, reading with her, playing Barbie with her and Marysia just loves it! She always says she loves Jennifer.

As parents, we don't always have the time to play with our kids - chores to be done, laundry, meals, etc.

You have the advantage of being able to spend a lot of time just playing and doing what they enjoy.

Do get a list of their schedule, i.e., bedtime, naptime, favourite foods, forbidden foods, etc., but just relax and play with them.

Ah, the schedule is something I didn't think of. My brother and sister-in-law are very loving parents, but have high expectations on how things are to be run in their house (ie, one of their babysitters got in trouble for "sneaking" the kids pop). A schedule will help keep things under control, especially since I can't remember what time they nap.
I guess I'm nervous because I'm good in huge group situations (was a camp councellor etc) but the experiences I've had in one to one babysitting haven't been good. I have a hard time being the boss, and not being walked over. Something tells me I'll learn how to do so on Monday pretty quickly.
I used to have a "smelly playdough" recipie somewhere around here, maybe I'll find it and make some up (completely non toxic and smells like koolaid). I wonder if my brother has opened the kid's sandbox as well. Thankfully there's a park across the street. If things get too hectic in the house, I can bundle them up and go play on the swings for a bit.
It's been so long since I took care of children. I think I can pull it off but I don't know what my brothers thinking by expecting me to drive down (2 hours), babysit all day and drive back in one day. I think I'm going to bring my pillow and curl up with the dog
Thank you for your ideas and comments! If you can think of any other games close to your heart, let me know! I find it best to wear kids out with fun then to let the energy take over me.
Thanks again!
Jess

Originally Posted by Sylorna

I don't know what my brothers thinking by expecting me to drive down (2 hours), babysit all day and drive back in one day. I think I'm going to bring my pillow and curl up with the dog

Thank you for your ideas and comments! If you can think of any other games close to your heart, let me know! I find it best to wear kids out with fun then to let the energy take over me.
Thanks again!
Jess

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Why is he even expecting you to do this btw?
Are you sure you aren't just walked over by little kids?
Is he not offering you dinner and a bed for the night?
I think that is the least he could do...
Hopefully you have a good time, whatever happens

Have lots of fun! I've never babysat so no advice for you but the ladies have given you some great advice!

As well as games and other "active" activities you may want them to have some quiet time if they are needing to go down for a nap or if you think they are getting over-excited. You may want to take a story book so that you can sit them down and read to them. Kids love a good story. Especially if the story book has some pictures that you can talk about with them.

Originally Posted by Loveysmummy

Why is he even expecting you to do this btw?
Are you sure you aren't just walked over by little kids?

Is he not offering you dinner and a bed for the night?
I think that is the least he could do...
Hopefully you have a good time, whatever happens

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He called to ask because his babysitters husband is going through some extensive and invasive testing on Monday and she needs to look after him for a couple of days.
He's offering to pay me for my gas, $50 for the day and feed me supper. I think he just expects everyone to be thrilled about driving as much as he is (and they don't have an extra bedroom). I'm bringing some extra clothes anyway, just incase the husband needs some extra care on Tuesday, so I think I'll mooch a couch regardless.

Originally Posted by flisssweetpea

As well as games and other "active" activities you may want them to have some quiet time if they are needing to go down for a nap or if you think they are getting over-excited. You may want to take a story book so that you can sit them down and read to them. Kids love a good story. Especially if the story book has some pictures that you can talk about with them.

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That's a great idea! They have LOTS of books, but I wonder if I can find my copy of "Allergator Pie" to bring with.