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How do I entertain a nine year old boy coming round for lunch?

12 replies

hairtwiddler · 05/03/2008 19:38

We have some friends coming over for lunch at the weekend. We don't see them much, but they have been extremely kind to us in the past, and we want to have a nice lunch for them.
They have a four year old girl and a nine year old boy. Now, I know how to make a visit to my house fun for a four-year-old. We have lots of toys, she can be involved in cake decorating etc etc. I can claim no experience with nine year old boys however. I'm worried he'll be bored and not want to be here! He's a really bright lad, and mature for his years.
Any suggestions for making it less of a chore for him to visit?

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hairtwiddler · 05/03/2008 20:02

pathetic bump in hope of suggestions. Otherwise will have to resort to desperate "Tell me about what you're doing at school?", questioning. The poor boy...

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Mrspanic · 05/03/2008 20:02

He might like to help with the cake decorating too ! Or if you're baking from scratch could he help weigh out the ingredients/mix/push Magimix button.

hairtwiddler · 05/03/2008 20:04

I hope DH will already have made the cake! But thank you!
Maybe decorate your own cupcakes are in order.

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Monkeybird · 05/03/2008 20:25

Depends how much effort you want to put in. If his parents have any sense they'll have primed him with a science book and a Nintendo DS to keep him quiet in the corner. If not, then my DS1, (9 next week!) suggests a quiz or scavenger hunt in your house (if you dare), or a good board game, like monopoly or scrabble (but obv everyone has to be available to play with him). If he's anything like our boy, he'll be obsessed with puzzles, science etc.

If you want to invest time/money in it, a 20Q gadget might keep him occupied for some considerable time, or a tough wooden puzzle, Rubiks Cube, books of difficult maths questions, mazes etc. You can also buy lots of kits suitable for this age boy, such as radio building, science stuff etc (M&S has quite a good selection). My son is overly obsessed with Yu-Gi-Oh type stuff as well but if he's maturer he might also be into WarHammer. You might wanna ask his parents about this also - if they don't mind and he's used to it, you could let him on the internet to play games - Bejewelled, Feeding Frenzy and QuicksandPyro are particular favourites in our house and if he's that kind of kid will keep him busy for hours should he be allowed!

Or for a cheaper option, you can probably find some 'household science' stuff on the internet - make a battery out of a lemon etc...

Something that involves running around if you've the space is also good for this agegroup - bouncing, jumping, kicking a football, bike ride etc...

Even old fashioned stuff like marbles or tiddlywinks is good for this age group cos they like showing off their prowess at stuff IME especially competing against adults, and can be done easily indoors if necessary...

HTH!

hairtwiddler · 05/03/2008 20:51

Monkeybird, thank you and your DS soooo much, that's really helpful.

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pointydog · 05/03/2008 21:09

get a dvd (harry potter for eg) in case he ends up bored

uptomyeyes · 05/03/2008 21:11

Let him play Club Penguin on the internet. He can play without having to join up properly.

Greyriverside · 05/03/2008 21:14

Just a thought, but could you call and ask your friends outright "I hope he won't be bored, what does he like to do?"

After all it's possible that they are thinking right now "oh god I hope he doesn't get bored and play up"

Not sure what the etiquette is these days on turning up with lots of your kids toys and games, but you'd rather they did and they might be relieved at the chance to say "do you mind if he brings ...."

hairtwiddler · 05/03/2008 21:15

Good plan, will email under guise of 'anyone allergic to anything/veggie"

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Blu · 05/03/2008 21:16

He will arrive with his Nintendo...and barely look up from it!

jalopy · 05/03/2008 22:04

He'll probably play with the barbies.

hairtwiddler · 08/03/2008 14:57

Quick update for those who helped us here... found that it was my 2yr old DD that entertained him most! He threw a ball around for her, and had great fun asking her questions. He also played on the internet for a while, and chatted to us about being bilingual (as DD is also learning two languages).
Thanks again everyone.

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