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12 Ways to Break the Ice With Kids

When you̵7;re starting a new babysitting or nanny job, one of the toughest things can be interacting with the kids. Whether you’re meeting them for the first time during the interview or getting to know them better on day one, it can be hard to break the ice. You want to develop good relationships with them so they̵7;re comfortable with you (and show their parents that you’re up for the job!).

Here are tips and activities to help you bond with toddlers, preschoolers, elementary-age kids and older children.

For more ideas, check out these 101 Things to Do When Kids Say ̶0;I̵7;m Bored̶1;.

3 Activities for Toddlers (ages 1 to 3)
Toddlers and schedules don̵7;t always get along. Remember to stay flexible, so you can adjust depending on their needs and mood. Having a few ideas ahead of time will also help in case you need to switch gears. With young children, focus on simple activities you can do on the ground with them, like:

1. Clap: This is a great way to interact with kids and also work on basic listening and coordination. Play clapping games like ̶0;If You’re Happy̶1; or ̶0;Pat-a-Cake̶1;.
2. Build with blocks: Work together to build a structure, tear it down and create something new.
3. Play outside: Collecting leaves or blowing bubbles are fun ways to play outdoors.

Here are more Fun Activities to Do with Toddlers.

3 Activities for Preschoolers (ages 4 to 6)
Child care specialist Tammy Gold, of Gold Parent Coaching, recommends you check in with parents about what the kids like to do. Parents can provide guidelines on what topics to approach, as well as what to avoid. Preschoolers enjoy creativity and here are easy ways to get them engaged early on.

1. Make believe: Try fantasy play, dress up or imaginative games. Let them initiate and follow their lead.
2. Do art projects: Finger painting, coloring or collages are all great ways to work together and interact creatively.
3. Read books: Let them tell you which are their favorites and then read them together.

Or try these Activities and Fun Things to Do with Preschoolers.

3 Activities for Elementary Children (ages 7 to 11)
Education psychologist and founding partner of the Eldridge Overton Educational Programs, Natasha Eldridge, says that the key to building new bonds with kids is trust. “It is important that the child feels a sense of security from the newcomer nanny.” Listening skills and the ability to build a rapport will help develop those connections and allow kids to feel safe.

For this group, doing a fun activity outside is a great way to break the ice and begin to create that trust.

1. Build together: Make a snowman, build a sand castle or pack a picnic. Working together on a common project will create bonds. In lousy weather, even an indoor picnic is exciting.
2. Play sports: Freeze tag, capture the flag and simply kicking a ball around are good for communication and mind-body coordination.
3. Explore the outdoors: Do a scavenger hunt or go for a nature walk. Learn about flowers and bugs together.

Love heading outside? Here are 12 Outdoor Activities for Kids.

3 Activities for Preteens and Teenagers (ages 12+)
Adolescents will want a degree of freedom. Give them enough space to feel comfortable with you and focus on activities that interest them. Show warmth and genuine interest by asking open-ended questions like “what did you do today,” “what books did you read,” or “what games did you play” will draw kids in, shares Anna Fox, a 10-year nanny veteran. And try things like:

1. Cook: Cooking and baking are hugely popular among teens. Research a recipe and roll up your sleeves.
2. Help out: Whether it’s homework, projects, creative activities or sports, offer to lend a hand, offer coaching advice or sub in where they need.
3. Go out: With parents̵7; permission, head to museums, movies, the mall or the beach. This will allow you to interact outside the home setting.

Want more tips for this age group? Here̵7;s helpful advice for babysitting a pre-teen and a teenager.

How do you break the ice with kids? Share your secrets in the comments section below.

Tiffany Smith has written for All You, Time for Kids and the Boston Globe. And, as a former babysitter, she knows a lot about fun games to play with kids. Follow her on Twitter at tiffanyiswrite. ​​​​​​