How to Babysit a Four-Year-Old Without Using the TV

I preface any commentary about keeping off the TV by saying I watch a lot of TV myself, and, even not being a parent, I still realize sometimes a TV break is a good thing for both kids and caretakers. However, even us babysitting aunts also know too much TV can be a bad thing for kids, so when it's our job to watch our favorite four-year-old for a day, we often want to do so without just plopping the child down in front of The Little Mermaid, which, let's face it, the child could watch for 8 hours without any problem. Rest assured well-intentioned babysitters, there are plenty of things you and a four-year-old can do without ever turning on the TV.

Be prepared. The single most important thing to do when you're trying to watch a child without use of the TV prop is to plan ahead. Kids can engage in single activities for hours on end, but they also have a strong "What's next" instinct; don't leave them hanging or revolt may occur. Go into your babysitting gig with full knowledge of the things the kids like to do, and have all the needed implements for these activities on hand. For instance, chasing or blowing bubbles is usually a crowd pleaser, but don't assume mom and dad left bubbles behind: ask, or bring your own. Go heavy on the tried-and-true activities, but maybe add some new things into the rotation to keep the four-year-old on her toes. Make sure you also know how much time you've got on your hands and always plan for the unexpected "overtime." Bottom line, go in with a plan, and you won't need to resort to "Let's see what's on The Disney Channel...."

"Imagine all the people...". I have known several four-year-olds in my life and each of them has been quite adept at creating an alternate universe. One great way to spend time with a four-year-old without turning on the tube is to join her in that universe when she invites you in, or to encourage her to join you in one you've invented for this occasion. After all, why would you employ TV to take you to a far off land when you can do it yourselves?

As anyone who's spent time with kids knows, typical imaginary lands may involve barbies, action figures, blocks, puppets, dress-up, or some kind of pantomime work like baking a fake cake, building a fake castle, or going on a treasure hunt. You may have to set the premise for the child sometimes. Other times, she will tell you exactly (and I mean exactly...) what your role is. Go with the flow. She wants you to be Ursula the Sea Witch for a full half hour? Go with it. It's not always easy to keep the imagination going. After you've added the fifteenth ingredient to your fake milk shake, it might be hard to come up with more. But the child will appreciate your effort, not matter how lame it is. Just be sure the game is safe and the child is in eye and ear shot of you if she wants to play with her dolls or matchbox cars alone for a while.

Give me a P...give me an L... Play dough and four year olds are a great combination. The kids are old enough to really be able to make some cool stuff, young enough to still find it interesting, and experienced enough with the stuff to know it's a non-eatable. In short, if you're trying to keep the child occupied and TV-free, play dough can be an entertainment all-star. Again, be sure that the house has some playdough; you don't want to suggest using it and then spend ten minutes looking for it, only to find there isn't any. After the kid accepts the invitation to use the Playdough, sit down with him and get involved. You make your stuff, he'll make his, or maybe you'll work together. Depending on the kid's interest level, Playdough time can go on for hours, but it's all but a guarantee to be fun for at least a few minutes.

Game time. Four year olds are usually old enough to play basic board games like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Old Maid, or Concentration. Not every child is interested in this kind of activity, but plenty of them are. Check out what games are on hand or bring some. Of course, a four year old's version of how to play might not gel with the version printed on the box, but sometimes, improvising can be fun. One four year old I know has no interest in playing Candyland the old fashioned way, for example, but prefers to use the pieces as action figures and the board as a map of their adventure. Go with it. As for "letting" the kid win or cheat, that's a judgment call. Usually, I say no to that kind of thing, but if it's late at night and a fight is about to break out, leave it to the parents to deal with. Heh, heh. Games can also be a great thing to do before a nap or bedtime, as they get the child to sit and settle down (at least theoretically.)

Book 'Em. And then of course, there's always reading stories. Most kids like books and like the bonding experience of reading with an adult they like (we'll assume the child likes you...). Reading the child's favorite books can help them feel at ease, while reading some books you brought especially for them can be filled with exciting surprises. Just be sure you don't bring anything that might scare them, make them mull over whether or not they're upset mom or dad isn't around, or get them saying expressions that their parents may frown upon.

I find a good variation on the classic story is looking through an animal encyclopedia. Typical four year old curiosity and love for animals can make it a lengthy and fun activity.

Without TV, you can definitely still make sure your four year old charge has a good time when you're babysitting.