Hobbies And Interests
Be Musical
Purchase or create a CD containing children's music. The music can be nursery rhymes, children's movie soundtracks or pop music. Make sure the music you choose is appropriate for the children you're babysitting. When you play it, dance and sing with the children.
Get Artsy
Print pictures of popular images and characters for the children to color. Bring a box of crayons, washable markers or watercolors. Color or paint with the children and give the pictures to their parents.
You can also allow children to be creative by engaging them in simple crafts projects, like creating and coloring paper hats from newspaper or cutting and coloring paper bags to create a mask. Stick to crafts projects that aren't messy or complicated.
Watch a Movie
Choose an age-appropriate movie, pop some popcorn and watch the film with the children. Sing and laugh, as appropriate, and discuss the movie when it's finished. Engage yourself and allow the children to recognize that you also enjoyed the movie.
Read a Book
Select a book, according to the age of the child, and read together. For younger children, allow them to interact with the book by making animal sounds or helping turn the pages. For older children, allow each child to read to you. Let children choose their favorite books and ask them to tell you what they like about them.
Play a Game
Older children enjoy board games while younger children enjoy interactive games such as Hide and Seek, Red Light Green Light and Simon Says. If you have a wide age group of children, play an interactive game and then play a board game with the older children. Allow the younger children to assist you in playing the game. You can also take this opportunity to teach the younger children how to play.