The Practical Babysitter

Have you ever noticed how, despite being surrounded by the latest and greatest children’s educational toys, in bright colours and complete with flashing lights, that children naturally gravitate towards ‘big people’s things?’

Well, one ingenious father has come up with the ultimate activity board, using items he had around the house that will actually hold a child’s interest.

If you have children and grandchildren in your house regularly, you may like to make your own. Better still, involve them in the construction process, so they are really invested.

While keys, locks and buttons are really interesting, don’t let your imagination stop there – how about a kitchen version, using old whisks, measuring spoons, cups and jars filled with dry good like macaroni and lentils.

Remember the fun of a detective jar – fill a shatterproof jar with rice or sand and add twenty little things – paperclips, tiny lightbulbs, pieces of pumice, small pompoms, feathers, pegs etc and leave some space at the top of the jar so that when tipped or rolled, the itms appear and disappear.

These things can be brought out at times when you need a few minutes (like when they are waiting for a meal and are getting scratchy), or you might like to make a smaller versions to keep in the car for longer trips.

For older children, remember that a trip to a hardware store can also be a very entertaining and educational way to spend an afternoon too – there are so many things to look at and find out about!

Please feel free to share photos of your ‘practical babysitter’ in the comments below and share your great ideas…