Hobbies And Interests
Card Games
Card games are a practical choice for babysitters to bring along with them on jobs. They are compact, inexpensive and often can be adapted to different age groups. A couple decks of playing cards can be used to play games such as Go Fish, Rummy, Hearts or a simple matching game. Dedicated decks are available to play games such as Old Maid or Crazy Eights. Children often enjoy learning to play War and Slap Jack, which are fast-paced and competitive. Instructions for a wide variety of card games are available online.
Arts and Crafts
A plastic shoe box with a tight fitting lid is large enough to carry a whole evening's worth of art and craft supplies. Stock up on safety scissors, glue sticks, glitter, feathers, beads, elastic string and a variety of types of paper. When your charges get bored or restless, pull it out. Spread some newspaper on the kitchen table and let them get creative with your supply.
Movies
Make a couple of kid-friendly DVDs a part of your babysitting bag of tricks. Choose movies based on the ages of the children you'll be minding. Small children might enjoy recordings of their favorite television shows or movies with familiar characters. For older kids, look for a new release that they haven't seen yet. Classics that you enjoyed as a child and the younger children haven't seen yet are also often successful.
Books
Slip a couple of books in your bag as well. Your childhood favorite books, if you still have them stored, might be new books to the children you are minding. Even young children often enjoy being read to from classics such as "Alice in Wonderland" or "The Secret Garden." Library sales and thrift stores or garage sales have picture books and chapter books for pennies. A new book sometimes helps a restless child calm down.