Not quite sure what to do??

[bec79]

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post, but here goes....

I am babysitting my neighbours 8 year old son on Thursday, but only having had experience with younger children I'm not sure what activities to prepare. We have an XBox, but I don't want him going home and telling his mum he sat infront of the TV all day!!
Can anyone help me out with ideas??
Also, anyone got any ideas/recipies for a lunch that appeals to this age group. Something healthy but yummy...(does that exist??):laughing:

Thanks

[liah]

It really depends on what he likes to do you could try things like painting etc but he may not be interested in that. Why not have him bring some of his own toys from home. I work at a child care centre and the OHSC kids (especially boys) enjoy playing outside, so if you have swings, balls, things like that may keep him amused. The best thing to do may be to ask his mother what he likes to do and then go from there, and she may be quite impressed that you are putting so much thought into it :thumbsup:

[mumof03]

I agree with Liah. I have a 10 and 13 year old (and 3 year old), and the older ones like to take their own things with them if they go to stay with other family or friend members.

As for food ideas, my kids love plenty of fresh fruit and toasted ham and cheese sandwiches. They also love frog in the hole. This is where you take a peice of bread, cut a hole out of the center and put it into the frypan. Crack and egg into the hole and cook on both sides. You could also try French Toast. Beat 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk. Dip bread into egg mixture until covered on both sides, then fry in a pan. If he eats tomatoes, you can slice a tomato over the cooked french toast before serving.

Milkshakes are a healthy drink for lunch too.

[nkenward]

Outside is probably a great way to start - but a bummer if the weather is crappy. You will need some back up ideas. Crafty things are great, if you have the time to share with them.

Get him to bring his own toys though.

I had my step kids over a couple of years back - so they were about 8 & 10. We made a bottle of coloured sand - great thing for them to take home. I bought a glass bottle (or jar - but must have a secure lid) from a $2 shop. Buy a box of coloured chalk and a large bag of table salt.

On a piece of paper pour a small amount of salt, and get him to grab a piece of chalk and rub it over the salt - it makes the salt that colour. Then repeat with different colours. Then pour the sand into the container - alternating the colours. Its just a great/cheap activity and keeps them entertained for ages.