{"id":5101,"date":"2026-03-18T21:46:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T01:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/mdf\/?p=5101"},"modified":"2026-03-23T21:47:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T01:47:34","slug":"big-kids-need-interaction-too-11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/mdf\/2026\/03\/18\/big-kids-need-interaction-too-11\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Kids Need Interaction Too"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Just because a child is old enough to occupy themselves, doesn\u2019t mean that they should be expected to do so the majority of the time.\u00a0 Host families have a certain expectation of activity and involvement for their children. Get the kids engaged and active. You\u00a0can<\/em>\u00a0be more fun than the TV or a video game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Problem:<\/strong>
But, my kids don\u2019t want to do anything but watch TV or play video games.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Solution:<\/strong>
Instead of saying, \u00a0\u201cWould you like to\u00a0(fill in the blank with any activity)?\u00a0 The answer will often be, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Try this, \u201cNow we are going to\u00a0(fill in the blank with any activity.)\u00a0or \u201cWould you rather do \u00a0_____ or ______?\u201d \u00a0Make sure both the choices are good options.
Your chances of co-operation are greatly increased. Even kids who are reluctant to try new things will usually get in the spirit of things and have fun if you pick a good activity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Problem:<\/strong>
I don\u2019t know what to do with school-age kids.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Solution:<\/strong>
Look for ideas online. Google \u201cactivities school-age kids\u201d or \u201cactivities tweens\u201d. You can also take part in an au pair webinar on this topic. Below is a list of some ideas to get you started.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n