How to Baby Sit a Three Year Old Boy

Imagine a tiny cartoon cyclone careening around the living room, and you have a good idea of the energy level of three-year-old boy. Most children at this age are highly inquisitive and seemingly tireless. A good babysitter balances rowdy play with more focused activities. If you are not familiar with the parents' preferences, check in regarding an appropriate use of time, including television and computer access and out-of-home activities. If you are bringing your own toys or books, it's best to give the parents a chance to look them over before offering them to the boy.

• 1

  Spend some time engaging with him before launching into any planned activities. Ask him to show you his room or play area and to point out any favorite toys or books. This will give you an idea what he is currently interested in, and let him get to know you.

• 2

  Go for a walk. Depending on what has been established by the parents, take him on a walk to the park, or even around the block. Stop along the way and look at plants and flowers, touch the trunks of trees and notice cars parked along the street. Many boys at this age are interested in vehicles; ask him what different colored cars he sees.

• 3

  Crank up the energy at home. If leaving the home isn't an option, put some time aside to cut loose inside. Play music and dance with him, or play an active game such as "Simon Says," or "Red Light, Green Light," to get him moving. Kids who have an opportunity for motion may settle down easier when quiet time comes around.

• 4

  Play with focused toys like building blocks. In the book, "Boys and girls learn differently: A guide for teachers and parents," the authors suggest that boys tend "to gravitate to a spatial task," as part of their learning experience. The chapter continues to illustrate how one three-year-old enjoyed playing with a water table and various sized boats, filling them up and emptying them to see how they sank or floated. This type of play is less rowdy, but can also be deeply engaging.

• 5

  Build a fort by draping a cloth or blanket over a table or a couple of chairs, and play "Pirate," "Explorer," or "Space Travel" with him. Let him provide the story line by using his imagination, and make suggestions if he is stuck. Have snack time in the fort for a special treat.

• 6

  Read to him. This is a good activity before naptime or settling him down for bed. Children love being read to, and at this age may even be picking up certain words on the page. Ask him to choose his favorite books first, and prepare to either read the same one a few times, or go through five different books in 10 minutes. Ask him questions regarding what is on the page, such as inquiring what the dog is doing or how many trees he can see. This can also get him focused and quiet if he is rushing through each story.