[Kavita]

Hi mamas! I'm hoping you can give me some ideas.

I'm a SAHM with a 9 month old DD. I have just agreed to watch a 4 year old boy in my home for about 24 hours a week--he will be with me 8-5ish on Mondays and 8-11:45ish Tuesdays--Thursdays. He will be going to Head Start in the afternoons Tuesday-Thursday. I've babysat kids before and have a niece his age (although she lives in another state) but I've never had a kid that age at my house day after day for an extended period of time.

So, I am trying to get prepared a bit--I haven't even met the boy, I just met his parents, the mom is a colleague of a good friend of mine. By their report, he is a little shy and quiet, they described him as "4 going on 13" and is pretty well behaved and helpful, and will do things like sit and color or "read" a book. I am trying to think of activities that would be appropriate for a 4 year old boy. His parents and I were clear that it's not a home daycare per se, I would like to treat him more or less like I would my own child that age and have him join in the household routine (ie, he can play with some toys by himself while I prepare food and such, or help by doing age appropriate things like tear up lettuce for salad, etc.) However, I also feel like I want to have some things for him to do which will be enriching and fun. Him mom will send a backpack of his toys and stuff for him to bring with him, but I also want to have some fun activities and stuff that I will do with him, while taking care of my 9 month old DD too (she is crawling but more or less will stay put in the same room with me most of the time, and can be on my back in the Kozy carrier for naps and such. And maybe some things for him to do more independently while I am occupied with DD, like nursing her down for a nap or such.

So, moms with kids that age (especially boys) can you suggest activities that your kids like and possibly some inexpensive fun stuff and supplies to have on hand? I was thinking of doing some crafts type projects, playdough, baking cookies or bread, taking him to the playground, coloring, reading, some bubbles, maybe the occasional trip to the library story hour or a kids museum or such.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sydnee]

Honestly, google "boy acivities", and you'll get a TON of answers!! I do daycare, but out of 9 kids, only one is a boy!!

And he's 3. But I have weekly themes that I do, like this week we are learning about worms, so everyday is a different activity having to do with worms. But I get all my ideas from the internet!

 

[John&Timmy'sMom]

I have twin 4 year old boys and am a teacher so the summer is packed with activities to keep us enjoying the summer together! One thing my boys love... I take a small tupperware bowl and put a tablespoon or so liquid dish soap in with bowl about 3/4 of water. I let them splash the soapy mix onto the kitchen table and with a straw, they blow bubbles on the table. This may take a few tries...you have to blow really slow and easy... But the bubbles can get huge! Of course this sounds messy, but half the fun is that the boys can clean it up themselves and you get a clean table (and floor!) in the end. Sounds simplistic, but will entertain for hours!

 

[1growingsprout]

the library is a great idea, take full advantage of story time,play time etc... the park is another good one... bubbles... books... small simple crafts.. its going to be difficult to plan activites with out really meeting the child first...

i would be careful on the days he goes to school as to not get him 'too tired' for that.... possibly am quiet time for 45-60 mins those days could be a solution?

simple 24 pc puzzles are good...

:

 

[Summerland]

my son is almost 4, he loves parks, going for walks in the forest, puzzles (even 100 piece), coloring, reading, baking, going to the library, painting, hope that helps a bit.

 

[wildmonkeys]

I agree with the activities others have suggested and would also add board games to the list. My dss love Uno, Rat-a-Tat-Cat, CandyLand, Chutes & Ladders.

My boys will also play with blocks, legos & matchbox cars for hours & hours at a time....

BJ
Barney & Ben

 

[mummy marja]

Don't get hung up on "boy" activites. He may very well love to look after a baby doll!

My 4 year old has just spent the last hour playing with water, paintbrushes, and toy cars in the bathroom sink. The storyline is way to complicated for me, but whatever is going on in there is very engrossing.