AboutLaura Expertise I can give any ideas or suggestions need for children’s crafts. Anything from easy 5 minute crafts to weekend project crafts. I can also give you ideas about crafts for birthday parties and holiday. Not only can I answer children’s craft questions but also crafts that will engage the whole family.
Experience Working in Children Services for many years and running craft programs for children of all ages.
Question I am babysitting my cousins who are 1 and 2 and I would like some ideas on what I can do with them that they would like. Thank you!!
Answer Hey
Thanks for the question.
Cousins can be so much fun to play with and at that young age, they are so cute and cuddly.
Not to sure if you want games or crafts for young children so I will include a few of both. As a fellow babysitter and babysitter instructor here are some suggestions I have for you:
One year old
Games
- peek a boo
- watching movies
- playing with his or her baby toys
- making music with plastic instruments
- playing outside (when its nice) on a blanket
Crafts (of course being 110% supervised)
- anything big (construction paper) and colouring with non toxic crayons
- Glue is a huge hit in the young age group
- The new Crayola Tadoodles First Marks- these are probably the number 1 thing that I could recommend as a craft at this age. The child is very young and crafts a probably not the best idea.
Two year old
Games
- hide and go seek
- riding a tricycle
- Playing in the backyard
- Playing in the snow (if its not all melted)
- Playing with soft balls (inside or outside)
Crafts
At this age, it will be a little easier but still tough in the sense of crafts
- PEANUT BUTTER PLAYDOUGH – they can eat this one too
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
4-6 oz. corn flour or corn meal
Combine together peanut butter and honey. Add the corn flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Normal no stick play dough
1 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar (DO NOT OMIT)
1 c. water
1 tbsp. cooking oil
Mix ingredients in a saucepan. Cover over medium heat until it forms into a ball, stirring constantly. Food coloring may be added. Knead slightly on waxed paper. Let cool.
This playdough will not stick to carpet or clothes
- Coloring is great at this age
- Cutting with safety scissors and gluing (making a card)
- If you have pre cut shapes they can add color or more paper to them
If you would like more structured crafts please let me know and I will give you some great ideas.
Hope this helps and please feel free to ask me any other questions you might have.
