Games to Play When Babysitting

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Andrea Orta Mashburn, and today, I'm going to discuss some games to play while babysitting. Playing games with children has to be one of the first things that you're going to do while babysitting. Babysitting games can entail anything from coloring to playing with their toys, and even going outside. The most important thing to remember is that the games that you play are going to depend on the age level of the children that you watch. Infants and toddlers are going to enjoy games that involve motor skills. For many of them, they're finally having an understanding of their own physical motor skills. Many times, playing with toys that they have in their room will help them aid in this development. Pick out toys that you can see in their room that are what you would call educational; things that they can grasp, things that they can pick up, things that they can not only pick up, but also put into other toys. This motor skill is one of the first things that children need to start learning. If you feel uncomfortable playing with their toys, or you don't see any immediate toys that would aid in their motor skill development, simply by picking up a marker or a crayon and getting them a blank sheet of paper will also work on their motor skills. For many of them this activity is not only fun, but gives them' a sense of independency. For older children; their games are going to be a lot different than the developmental stage. Many of them are finally having an understandinment of fantasy, so they enjoy playtime, they enjoy make believe, and they enjoy mimicking adults. Go through their room and look for toys that will aid in this type of development. Many of them have dress up clothes. Dress up can be a wonderful time; not only for boys but also for girls. Having them pretend to be somebody that they know, whether it's a doctor or a fireman gives em' that sense of understanding of what people do in real life. Older children may also enjoy playing on the computer. Many times, mom and dad have allowed them to do so, so make sure before you allow them to be on the computer you get permission to do so before. Once on the computer, watch the child when he plays the games. Make sure that they're appropriate for his age level, and if he needs assistance you're always there for help. Finally, with older children; many of them enjoy going outside, as well as infants and toddlers. Make sure to ask mom and dad before you begin this activity, that you have their permission. Make sure they have the appropriate space, whether it's in the back yard or the front yard. Make sure before ever taking them to the front yard that you have permission, and that it's a safe location. Make sure when you take em' to the back yard that it's also a safe location as well. Once in the back yard, many children just enjoy being outside. Walk with them, run with them. If there's certain games that you would like to play; for instance, red light-green light or even tag, encourage the child to play with you. So remember, be dependable, be safe, and always be on time."