Okay,

So my friend and I are sitting this Sunday for a woman who lives just around the corner from my friend. She has a 4 year old daughter named Kayin, cute as anything, but the problem is the mother is having a few women over (don't know how many) and there will be a few kids to watch, whether it be in the basement, Kayin's room, or outside if the weather is nice. Anyway, I was wondering if you have any ideas for games and stuff to do with the kids? If so, that would be awesome. The party is from 2-4 pm, and the oldest children will probably be from ages 4-6, maybe? I wouldn't expect some of them to be any younger than 2 or 3. My friend thinks there will only be around 5 kids or so.

Oh well, we'll see how it goes. Please give me some simple ideas that kids will like! Maybe somethings that are/were popular with your children?

Thanks in advance,

daisies110

My friends & i babysat once during our churches mardi gra(sp) there were like 30 kids worse part? we had to try & make them sleep didnt go to well on play ideas i say try
hide & seek or freaze tag if they understand it kickball
they liked playing cards & playing music
sorry it was a couple years ago i cant really remember much

K. Any more, please? possibly, parents and grandparents?

If they are all girls, then I would suggest having a makeup party, and fingernail polish - have them create a skit, where they are pretending to be cinderella, or a princess story, or Rupunsel locked in her tower - get them to be creative - or bake a batch of cookies with them, in the kitchen. Send the moms downstairs.

- Genevra

I'm not sure if it's going to be all girls. If it's a mix of boys and girls, what neutral games would you suggest, that are popular with both gender?

daisies110

P.S. With regards to baking cookies, I want to avoid utilising the main floor, to give the moms privacy. Nail polish and makeup? Eeh...I don't know how many moms would be thrilled with teenagers doing their little girls' makeup. It's an iffy situation.

My daughter is nearly 4 & the best ways to occupy her are the easiest. Drawing, colouring in, painting, glueing/pasting, simple crafty things in general she loves. Reading them stories. Playing with dolls, building with blocks. Loves playdough. Sandcastles in the sand pit/box.

Children do often entertain themselves too, group 'games' don't always work at that age either. They more than likely will understand but it just isn't always that interesting to them, partly due to short attention spans. They'd rather do their own thing. Just keep in simple.

If in doubt arm yourself with stickers & stamps. They're the best treat, even better than sugar!