How to Entertain House Guests who Have Children

If you have a house guest coming who has children, have no fear. Children in a strange environment are usually excellent guests, because everything is new and they will respect the new house and its boundaries. It helps, of course, if you have children around the same age as the visiting children. Then you basically do very little and let the kids entertain each other. But if you have no children, there are some steps you can take in advance to make the house more child-friendly. You might even enjoy the house with the children running around!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Coloring books and crayons
• Paints and paper
• Used children's books
• Cookie dough
• Children's videos
• Shovels and buckets

How to Entertain Houseguests Who Have Children

1. Show the child around the house, pointing out the various places that are great for them to explore and pointing out the places you want them to avoid. Giving them the backyard to play in, and supplying some shovels and a bucket can keep kids entertained in nice weather. Have them collect flowers or ladybugs, dig in a certain patch of dirt and make mudpies, or try picking out differently shaped leaves or rocks to save in their bucket.
2. Use the same bucket full of water for a younger child to play with outside. Add some measuring cups and spoons or water toys. Let them use the hose.
3. Visit your thrift store and pick up kids' videos and children's books. They'll be used and cheap, and they'll be great for a kid who needs something to do.
4. Have some new crayons and coloring books for the children. Set up a litle area with extra paper, a small table and all their supplies, to make them feel special.Add paints and paper if you feel daring! Also fun are glue, glitter and scissors. You may want to set this up in an area that's easy to clean up!
5. Have all the ingredients on hand to make homemade cookies. All kids enjoy making a mess in the kitchen and eating cookies at the end of it is a great treat.

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