Toddlers: The Babysitter's Activity List

Even doting grandparents occasionally have to leave their grandchildren with a sitter, especially if the grandchildren are spending an extended period of time. Just because you're not going to be around for a few hours doesn't mean that you still can't plan a few fun activities for the group. We've rounded up a few nifty ideas to pass along to the sitter.

Cookie Decorating
Our completely unscientific poll showed that decorating is the best part of making cookies. With that in mind, buy a roll of pre-made cookie dough, a can of vanilla icing, food coloring, and make sure that you're stocked with sprinkles, candy bits, and whatever else your grandkids love on cookies. As the babysitter supervises, let the grandkids place the sliced dough on the cookie sheet (the sitter should be in charge of the oven). While the cookies are baking, the sitter and the little ones should set up little bowls with the decorating options. Put a few spoonfuls of icing into a few bowls, adding different food coloring to each. Mix well so the color is even throughout the icing. After the cookies are cooled, let the decorating begin.

EGG-CARTON ANTS

Materials:
• Cardboard egg carton
• Pipe cleaners
• Paint or markers
• Scissors
• Tape

Trim an empty cardboard egg carton ahead of time, so that there are six 2-cup sections. When turned upside down, the sections become the ant's body and head. The babysitter should poke two holes on each side of the cup section so that pipe cleaners can be inserted through to make legs (one pipe cleaner should form two legs, one pipe cleaner for each side). Bend the pipe cleaners into leg shapes. Poke two more holes on top of one side of the 2-cup section. Cut a pipe cleaner in half and stick it through those two holes. Twirl the end of the pipe cleaners. These will be the antennae. Use tape, if necessary, to secure the pipe cleaners in place. The grandkids can color the ants, paint on eyes, and decorate the body as desired.

Teddy-Bear Picnic
Have a teddy-bear (or any stuffed animal) picnic. Grandparents should put together a picnic basket of goodies (include Teddy Grahams and other animal-shaped snacks for extra fun) and drinks ahead of time. When the babysitter arrives, tell the youngsters to collect the special plush guests who will join in the picnic. If weather permits, the party can go to the park, backyard, or patio. If not, an indoor picnic can be just as much fun. Your young grandchildren can introduce all their animal friends to the babysitter, who can then read an animal story to the crowd.