to ask how you would entertain 6 children?

[ruledbyheart]

Posting here because it has the best traffic.

Tomorrow I have offered to look after my friends 6DC's whilst she has a much needed night out with her DH, but I am panicking a little bit as I have no idea of anything to do with all 6 of them which would involve everyone and keep them entertained.
The children are aged between 11 and 7mths, now I know the baby is easy and I have young DCs myself so know how to entertain the little ones but I dont want the older ones to be left out, any ideas please?

I have them between 5 and 11.30 so I have to do dinner and bed as well but I want them to have fun too.

AIBU to be panicking a little bit?

DVDs, hide and seek games depending on the size of the house. Drawing games..

And do a little buffet rather than try to cook a meal that will suit everyone.

Blackberry picking.

Biscuit making.

Pick leaves and make a collage.

DVD.

GOod luck!

let the older ones put on a 'cinema' experience for the wee ones. Make tickets, set up seating and make popcorn. Wee ones choose the film.

Lego always a big hit with all ages.
As is drawing.

Park or garden and let them make their own entertainment, then pizza for dinner and let them choose a couple of films a to watch. Could you make popcorn? Or maybe get a disposable BBQ that they could toast marshmallows on.

Get them to bring round a board game each to play as well, and encourage them to bring some of their own toys because you won't have stuff for older dc if yours are younger.

If the weather is nice I would say play with a sprinkler in the garden or paint on a large piece of backing paper outdoors. Also have some DVDs available for some calm down time when it gets hectic. Be strict about where they can play in your house; e.g. No playing babies and jumping in the baby's cot (recent problem a my house!), no one allowed in your bedroom. If you don't mind the mess then you could help some of them cook brownies etc .
My neighbour has 6 children and they are often out on their bikes in the (quiet) street. Make sure all upstairs windows are shut/locked just in case.
If you are organised you could make some sort of treasure hunt to find things you have hidden.

For tea put a sheet on the floor and serve either picnic food or get pizza / KFC / fish and chips.

A treasure hunt for thse old enough to read clues with one 'sharing' pize like some sweets or cakes.

Make something, get craft things and make a big poster about all the children in the house, ages, size, handprints, footprints, photos, drawings etc - they can take it home.

Do you have a digital camera? Get some bits of material / boas / jewelry / hats and get them to take photos dressed up.

Depending on the weather send them int the garden to collect things, or photograph them. Mentos is cola is fun for all ages.

I am fortunately looking after them at their own house whilst DP looks after my DC at home as I couldnt cope with 9 by myself lol.

Got some great ideas here already liking the Cinema experience and hide and seek.

If you have any chalking, I've found letting my 4 dc chalk outside on the patio and walls keeps them busy for hours. Plus it all washes off easily.

Wilkinsons and home bargains have craft sets cheaply that they could do too.

P.S. It's lovely of you to do this for your friend, it's so hard getting a sitter with a large family :)

Get pizza bases and let them make their own pizzas for tea. Maybe also see if the older ones would like to make some biscuits for the little ones to decorate.

Definitely get a DVD for the calm down bit of the evening. I'm sure the older ones will be ok to watch something the littler ones would like if you appeal to their better nature.

You are a nice friend!

Get them pissed.

Hopscotch, skipping ropes?

Some great ideas already thank you.
They are good kids so it should be fun.
I know how difficult it is to get a sitter as I have 3 myself but I'm lucky enough that my DC's Dad will have them if ever needed. My friend doesn't have many people around who would do it as they live in the middle of nowhere and transport is difficult if you cant drive.

What a nice person you are. Good karma will follow you.

I have four, and out most regular sitter has a routine with them. When she gets there it is mad running about time - trampoline, jumping on beds etc. After half an hour, they calm down, make popcorn or do a quick bit of baking and choose a DVD.

They eat out of her hand. They are never as good for me.