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Need input please.
Skylar just got done taking a babysitting class through the Red Cross. She has already babysat for a couple families, her nephew is one and a friend of mine. Kael is 14 months old and the other boy is 4 years old.
Now, here is where we want the input. She wants to put together a "babysitting bag". She wants to do a minor first aid kit with bandaids, neosporin and a mini ice pack. Any other items would be appreciated.
Then she has coloring books, crayon roll-ups that I have made and a "report card" for the child that night.
Keegan (the other little boy) is in an afraid of monsters stage, so she took a spray bottle and decorated it with stickers and markers and made Monster B Gone spray. That way if he is afraid of monsters, she can "spray them away"
What else could she put in it? She wants little activities that if the child gets bored with toys, she can pull something out of her bag.
Re: Need input please.
What about a deck of cards? Kael is too young, but the 4-year-old could play simple games like a memory matching game or "go fish".
I always brought a few books along when I babysat, kids get more excited about new books from the babysitter than the books they have at home all the time. If you don't have books for little kids at home, you could pick up some for really cheap at Goodwill or something - their bargain book table has books 10 for $1.49.
Mr. Sammy Dog
I must be too old for the babysitters club books? I've heard of them but never read them?
Cards are a GREAT idea too! She could do ABC ones for Kbear and Memory game ones for Keegan. and books are a great idea!
While I want to come to this play time, it may get a bit messy and everywhere with a 4 y.o and 14 months... IMO
One of DD's sitters makes a point to bring nick-backs and novelty toys that have play value just because they are new to her (slinky, kaleidoscope, etc).
How about make-your-own play doh supplies?
And, while you know the families that your DD sits for, I throw this out there just because - I would be upset if a sitter used her own first aid kit over the supplies that we have provided. DD has super sensitive skin and allergies, and has had nasty reactions to certain band-aids in the past. (and I know that this isn't an issue unique to our DD) Maybe tell Skylar that her kit is a great back-up, but she should always use the first aid supplies that parents have showed her first?
A Little Bird and a Monkey Butt