Babysitting question?

[Hillbeans]

I'm babysitting my 2 nieces saturday for a long 10 hour day. They are almost 5 and 2.5. I have a 3.5 year old.

My SIL apparently told my Brother that she doesn't want us to take the kids out to a local amusement park because it'd be 2 on 3 (My DH and I against 3 kids).

That's alright I guess, but she also doesn't let us take them to the park, or out anywhere for that matter because we're "outnumbered".

I'm at the point where i'm really annoyed because i'd really like to enjoy a nice summer day with the kids at the park, but feel like i'm trapped in the house because she doesn't let us do anything "fun" with them. It seems we're good enough to babysit, but not good enough to do anything else with them. I want to be the fun aunt! Please help.

Would you let your responsible sister take your kids out to McDonalds or the park for an hour while they were babysitting your kids?

 

[HollyJoy]

I certainly would let my sister take my kids out! Heck, I let my friends take them out! I think your SIL is being a bit overprotective!

 

[aunt lissa]

Of course I would! And she'd be out numbered 3 to 1! As well as I took her child out w/ my 2 so that made me a 3 to 1 as well. Not as hard as some may think. What would she do if she had 2 more? Would her and her DH have to stay home all the time?

 

[TEENEE]

I guess she doesn't take her own kids out by herself because she would be outnumbered. That's crazy. If you're good enough to babysit you should be good enough to take the kids out. I let my brothers, cousins and friends take my kids out. I have a dear friend that takes my kids to Busch Gardens every summer by herself. I must be a bad mom for allowing that to happen.

 

[onecoolmama]

I think that is silly. I understand the amusement park, but Mcdonalds or the park? I mean, are these kids ever allowed to have friends go out with them? I take DS's friends all the time to MckyD's or the park by mayself..and I have other kids. Here is the thing about it too. One or two hours asking you just to stay home..no biggie, but this is an ENTIRE day! I would prefer to take them out then have my house destroyed and toys everywhere. I think I would say..hey, Dh and I would really like to take them to the park or Mcdonalds...could you leave the carseats so we can do that.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Sure I would -- but I guess it all depends on the kids. DS is pretty easy to take out to places -- he doesn't tend to take off or be too tough to deal with, but if the kids I was watching were notorious for being a bit rambuncious, I could see being outnumbered as being a possible problem.

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm trying not to overreact because I know my SIL is under a lot of stress from issues with my brothers gambling anyways, and we're all just trying to help out. They have a wedding in NYC which they've both been looking forward to for months and I want them to have a good time.

I guess if she doesn't want me to take them out, then I should just abide by her wishes.

Anyone have any ideas how to entertain 3 kids under 5 for 10 hours?? LOL

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Yes I would and do.
I dont know how my parents did it they were out numbered 5 to 2.

 

[huey duey & luey]

Gee I'm outnumbered everyday (3-1) I take my kids alot of places by myself, but they have to be enclosed. If I am going to an open park then I have to have someone else with me, that is still 3-2. My nephew is 5 and and he is actually a big help with my kids (2). I think you will be fine with all the kids.

 

[onecoolmama]

Originally posted by Hillbeans
Anyone have any ideas how to entertain 3 kids under 5 for 10 hours?? LOL

Do you have a sprinkler or a little pool? You could play candyland; make cookies, watch a movie (bear in the big blue house and elmo will keep my 3.5 and 1.5 entertained.) Go for a walk, play with sidewalk chalk, and of course, nap!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I've been outnumbered for the past 2 1/2 years. Never stops me. I take the 3 of them all over by myself. If you want to practice before they get there I'll send you 2 of mine

Geesh, last night I took my 3 plus 3 out to a tee ball game and then out for ice cream, the kids were 2,3,4, 6,6, & 7. And I didn't lose a one!

 

[aprilgail2]

I used to babysit for my friends 2 boys and I had my own daughter...they were 5, 3 and 3 and I used to take them to parks and amusement parks by myself. I even took them all to Sesame Place over night (I brought my mom for that one though). I actually would not have babysat for thme if I wasn't able to take them places. I don't like staying home, I like going to parks etc and if I was asked to babysit but couldn't take them anyplace I would turn down the babysitting.

 

[avdeane]

How about doing a play or puppet show outside or inside (if weather doesn't co-operate)? You and the kids can find costumes around the house, make scenery or puppets. They can act out their favorite Disney show or whatever their interest is at the time! You can help them get everything together and then let the kids perform for you and your DH.

Just an idea!

 

[MerryPoppins]

I used to teach preschool and I have two kids of my own. Here are few ideas for you.

A backyard picnic

A tea party (we used to use lemonade)

Mine loved to "paint" the sidewalks or patio with old paintbrushes and water at that age

Dress up clothes

Let them make their own "pizza" by flattening a biscuit dough, topping with a little sauce and cheese and have other toppings available if you wish. They aren't too great, but kids like making their own food.

Take blankets and make tents over the furniture, tables and couches work well (my kids could play in a tent for hours!)

Put on some music and dance or sing

Blow bubbles

If it's too cold to play in the water, put a wading pool in the yard and dump several packages of corn meal in it. It's cleaner than sand, but it pours the same way. Go get some cheap sand toys and turn them loose. Or you could add inexpesive cars or dinosaurs, etc. If you dump it into a plastic tub with a tight lid when you are finished, you could even reuse it for your child for a while.

Hope these help.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Wow, she'd think I was nuts then. I have been a nanny since 99' and two of my "families" had three kids... once I even had the three kids (2, 3, 5) and my little brother (6) at the time together, we went to the movies and the store. I use to take the trio to play groups, the mall, shopping, groceries, etc. I also take care of another trio (2.5 yr old twins and 4yr old) and once watched them and their 2 cousins.... or how is this one... Me and 15 little ones (daycare internship). Maybe she is just overprotective or maybe she had a bad experience. Is this the first time you've watched her kids? Maybe she is just alittle nervous, even though your family...

There are plenty of things to do though at home. And thankfully it sounds like they are young enough to still nap... yahoo! Cookies are good idea, finger painting (crayola makes new color magic paints), reading books, videos (for when you need a quick break), outside stuff, creative play (dress up, cooking, etc).