Tips for minding a 2.5 year old for a day

[Tressie1990]

Hi all

I have a niece who will be 3 in November. I hardly ever see her except for at Christmas and don't really have much experience caring for her (her mum and granny have always been at hand).

My sister has asked if myself and my boyfriend would like to look after her for a day (10am-4pm) as she'll be in the area visiting a friend. While I'm eager to spend some proper time with my niece, I'm also a bit nervous! Any tips for how to fill the day? What to expect?

Thanks

Maybe local park or ask your sister to put a few toys in the bag or a ball for the garden if you're nervous to take her out. Local libraries or indoor play areas are good for a few hours. At that age kids just like attention more than anything and a run around. Good luck x

I'd have a nice walk in a park - feed the ducks - swings - ice cream if she's allowed - go back for lunch and play in the house/garden for a bit :)

Take a ball to the park, library for reading, back at home: sticker book, colouring, play with toys

Ask her for her schedule. She might still need a nap after lunch. Slot in a snack after a nap.
Cooking is good if you can stand the mess.
Park first thing, cooking, lunch, nap, eat the cooking and watch a film/tv to calm down.

Any local natural history museum, they can like those places at that age but don't expect to stay too long. Combine with a visit to a playground or woods.
Playing at home but if at your home then what toys do you have? Some children that age like drawing, playdough, cooking - so make cakes, biscuits, something like that to while away some time... plus it's great for teaching them maths and giving them opportunity to make food which they eat. They may love rolling dough and cutting out shapes.

Easy biscuit recipe: www.mumsnet.com/food/recipe/1754-321-biscuits