Ideas Please

**chez1373** · 07-05-2008, 10:59 AM

Hi all,
I am starting to mind a 4yr old Girl and 12yr old Boy with (sen)
I will be doin two late nights 4pm til 10.30pm can anyone give me some ideas on what to do in these hours as im at a loss....

Thanks

**sarah707** · 07-05-2008, 11:36 AM

First off I would ask the children and parents for a list of what they want to do / normally do.

I would also encourage them to bring stuff from home if it makes them more comfortable - they will be tired and maybe a bit more restless in the evening.

Get the rules of how much computer / game boy etc can be played and what tv programmes they can / cannot watch.

Talk to the children about your behaviour rules and where they can / cannot go in your house...

Hope this helps

**chez1373** · 07-05-2008, 11:49 AM

Thanks Sarah,

It will be difficult for me i like to watch my soaps lol
poor emmerdale conrrie and eastenders lol

I know the more tv and video games the eldest has the better for him but the 4yr old will be tired and maybe after tea not want to do much i shall speak with mum and see what she says.

Thank you

Teresa · 07-05-2008, 02:15 PM

i have a 2 1/2 year old until 9pm. by about 6:30 pm he dont like to do much, i tend to put out fisher price little people sets and cars (his favourites at the moment) so there is something to play with if he wants he tends to, but he tends to curl up on the sofa and watches a dvd until about 7.pm then he nods off to sleep.

**wendywu** · 07-05-2008, 02:50 PM

I would put the 4 year old to bed and just lift him. I dont think i would want any in my home that late unless they were sleeping. I think i would get the 12 year old to watch a DVD from 8.30 to 10.30.

**Tatia** · 07-05-2008, 04:12 PM

That's a tough one. I understand people need to work shifts but kids that age, especially the 4 yr old, need to be asleep at that time. I'd def put the 4 yo to bed at 7:00 or 7:30. I'd put them in their pajamas and hope they didn't wake too much when parent collects. The 12 year old, yeah, def quiet time on the sofa with a dvd or book, nothing too active that will over excite him.

**breezy** · 07-05-2008, 05:03 PM

talk to parents about what their usual evening routine is and stick as close to it as you can, also my 14 year old has SEN and loves the continuity of soaps so you may be able to watch them too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**mrsb** · 07-05-2008, 05:10 PM

Yes I would definately do as above. Get a list fom them and get them to sign how much and what tv they can watch and what time the lil on goes to bed. Like breezy said, try to stick to their home routine as much as possible

Good luck, I wouldn't fancy it I have to say, I'm normally in bed by 10 most nights

**angeldelight** · 07-05-2008, 07:53 PM

I agree with the others just wanted to say good luck

Angel xx

**miffy** · 07-05-2008, 09:12 PM

Blimey 1030pm is very late - agree with the others though find out normal routine

Good luck

miffy xx

**chez1373** · 12-05-2008, 12:59 PM

First night tonight kiddies are arriving at 3.30 so mum can spend some time with them and then im making home made lasagne and im still stuck on what to do.

I have loads of craft stuff but its ideas on what to make im not very creative lol

Ill let you know how it goes

**chez1373** · 12-05-2008, 08:45 PM

Hi Guys,

just thought id let you know kiddies got picked up at 8pm which i knew was a possability and the little girl 4yrs old didnt want to go home she was crying her eyes out i felt awful is this normal do you guys have kiddies like this??

I have a great feelimg about these two very happy indeed..

**sarah707** · 12-05-2008, 09:00 PM

Over the years I have had children react in all sorts of strange ways to parents arriving to collect...

Some cry, scream, hide under the table, shout, start throwing my toys around, refuse to let parent speak to me, one used to walk up to me or one of my children and thump us, turn from little angels into total demons...

All normal!

Just punishing parents for leaving them, all the fun they've just had temporarily forgotten!

It might get better... no promises!

**chez1373** · 12-05-2008, 09:25 PM

Oh right so is this a bad thing that she is doing this??
I didnt have a clue lol im not good at the old good bye thingy hehe

great kids though loved today i really have not had a day like today for a long time also ive got parents coming tomorrow night with another 2 kiddies so very very happy