how does your setting work?

[bmz]

for example with craft activities do you join in with the children (this would be for after school children) also with games I'm finding this really hard with the time and everything. just like to know how others are in their setting.

BMZ, when I used to care for 5 year old triplets, their 8 year old sibling and had my two regular under two's, I would usually set out the activities on kitchen table before school pickup, arrive back at about 4.15, put littlies in highchairs with books or toys start preparing dinner and hovver around the table in between peeling the spuds etc. I didn't actually have the time to sit with them (felt very guilty) but always talked to them about what they were doing etc and obviously if they needed help with something, I could usually spare a minute to help . I had discussed this with mum at time of interview and always ask what parents expectations are of me if I take on a school run, she was fine about this.

When their mum gave up work, I gave up doing school runs

Assuming that you mean for children coming after school (and not full days during the school holidays) - I ensure that there are plenty of activities and games for the schoolchildren to be able to help themselves to. We all have snacks and drinks when we first get back from school, and all sit together at the table or in high chairs (well, only the littlies sit in the high chairs!).

Once everyone has settled down, I will try to get involved with the older children, but it is not always possible with little ones there. The older children enjoy doing things with the younger ones anyway, and we will often play games that the younger ones think that they are joining in with.

many thanks for your replies.

I also don't have time to join in with the after school children. Ocassionally I do, but if my 18 month old mindee is around it is quite difficult to do. Also, I tend not to overload them with stuff to do. Yesterday in between wrestling each other, they watched the Cars DVD. I felt guilty as poop but of course if the wrestling had continued, someone would have been in tears.

I think I will make sure there is something out on the table for them to do today!

But I will not be joining in 100% because there is tea to do, diaries to write, tidying to sort out,dishes to do etc etc (Like all of us!)

occasionally.....

Another one, who sets out and lets them get on with it.

I have two girls 5 and 6 who have ben with me since months old, so know where everything is and what they can have out.

Plus I have two brothers 8 and 10, two afternoons a a week, who are harder to entertain, but usually find if I block off the gap archway to the playroom they are happy with the lego or knex.

I also have a 21,12 and 9 month old, who do take the most of my attention.

They all like to come and join in singing tho, dosnt matter what age they are.

I open the cupboard doors and they help themselves, but my after schoolies are 8 and 10 so they pretty much help themselves. They either play or do crafts, this week we are trying to make advent calenders!!

I will try to take part but with a 3, 2 and 1 year running around this isn'[t always easy to do! and I also have to prep and cook dinner, tidy up and do little ones diaries etc

I let them help themselves too to toys, have craft stuff/paints/playdoh on the table, for them, and we usually play a game / do a puzzle after tea together.