Childcare for beginners !!! Hints and tips please.

[MrsExpo]

I have a friend who is a bit stretched at the moment. She has a 15yo DS who has had an accident and is in hospital for at least the next few days. Her DH works stupid hours and is very busy and an adorable 3yo DD. She has no family nearby so I have offered to look after DD for 3-4 hours while she goes to the hospital to visit her DS, probably every afternoon for the next few days, starting tomorrow (eek!). The child knows me well and is happy to be with me, but has never been to my house. I'm 63, childless, and have never looked after a young child before. She'll arrive with copious quantities of toys and other stuff to keep her amused and a change of clothes just in case (just in case of what, I have no idea!!! ).

I've got fond visions of us making a huge mess baking cup cakes or doing art projects, and other fun stuff. I'm not at all house proud so a bit of mess is fine. So, Mumsnet mums .... help me out here please. Hints and tips for a childcare beginner please ....

That's lovely that you've offered. 3 year old don't need much stuff and her DD will probably love exploring your house and garden. At that age mines loved watering the plants in the garden or looking for insects, or 'painting' the fences or path with a brush and water. Pretend cooking with pots and dry pasta and tea parties with teddies. With a captive audience (I.e. You) she'll probably love to play role play games likes shops, doctors. If you have any empty boxes they can be used as props- let her take the lead!

Do the usual things you do... take her along.

Go for a walk to the shops, keeping in mind her attention span is limited. Involve her in choosing things. Getting some cake decorations for example.
Go to a local playground.
Some children love to go to a cafe and have some milk (no coffee for them )

Baking is a great idea. Art projects probably less so, depends on the child - she may be an artist or may get bored very quickly. She may have jigsaws she brings with her... you may have some laying around, charity shops often have some.

Have a garden? She may like to help with gardening, especially with a small watering can.

If you end up doing a bit longer hours, try to have a routine to the day, with a fixed time for lunch, afternoon tea. Ask her mum what she eats and especially important what she is allergic to.

Try keep her engaged, have tea parties, go for a picnic , play dress ups with dolls , its refreshing and fun to play with kids but yes it can get exhausting so keep your energy levels reserved.