How can I make babysitting my cousin easier?

I dont give her any ice cream, candy, etc. she is soo hyper. she doesnt want anything to do with me. I ask her if she wants to play and she always says no I dont know what to do anymore. she is attached to the tv. she is smart. the TV is broken thing wont work on her. she is driving me crazy. dont get me wrong I love her so much..but, I dont know what to do. I babysit her on Mon and Fri. I have a migraine problem and each time im with her I find myself with a headache and in the medicine cabinet. she's wearing me out. I want to quit but I NEED the money!

There are plenty of ways to entertain her. But first you have to be willing to take the time to make that entertainment possible. Im not sure of her age, so depending on how old she is there are a variey of things you can do-besides watch tv.

Arts and Crafts are the best thing to do with kids. Especially ones that have cutting, pasting, painting, and arranging involved. It promotes their small motor skills. Find out which kind of activities interest her. For example. You can give her several different colors of construction paper and some glue. Give her a animal to make, such as a Tiger, and tell her she can only make this animal by tearing the construction paper and gluing it together..hence the name 'Tear Art'.. Its fun for kids to create things without using scissors.

Also try homemade playdough.. Google homemade playdough and you will find lots of recipies.

Also any outdoor game that will promote her to run and wear off energy will help her calm down more, so that she is not as hyper later.

Hope that helps! I work with children so if you need more ideas message me.

Ask her mom what she does to keep her entertained, try out those things, if she all she wants to do is watch t.v., maybe you could suggest they get rid of the t.v., is she girly: maybe play beauty salon, or dress up, sporty: set up an obstacle course, or a mini-olympics, naturey: collect bugs, or build something with what you find outside.

stop giving her sweets and ice cream.. avoid anything with E additives.. no wonder she is hyperactive... keep her occupied with games, tire her out. it will tire you out too.. you'll both be asleep, and no migraine either.

Dear dancing_gurl_120,
We now know that sugar does not cause anyone to be hyper...but the colouring of products is really what does. So you have done what you thought was right...now it's time to do what works. Children react differently to different additives so the best way is to cut out of her diet things with bright colours such as Ketchup, drinks that are red, yellow, blue etc. Now that being said keeping her busy is the key to keeping both of you happy. Children require work so you start working by making a schedule..Example: from 9-12 crafts, 12-1 lunch and allow the child to help with preparation. 1-3 trip to the park, mall, or with prearranged play dates with other children. 3-5 reading a story and drawing about it, nap time or bath time...be creative. Get to the route of your migraines it could be additive related as well...consult a doctor.
Sue...good luck