How to keep your child entertained with a nanny in Israel: 10 games
10 educational home games a nanny can play with your child: ideas for different skills, what you need at home and how to keep activities safe and engaging.
For high-quality leisure time in Israel, choosing from 10 formats of educational activities is an optimal solution. These will help your child master new skills while the nanny ensures their safety. A large part of a child's cognitive development occurs through interactive play at home, making the thoughtful organization of free time critical for their future.
Why is it important to plan activities with your child in advance?
A structured game plan prevents chaos and ensures the child's harmonious development, even when parents are away. When a nanny arrives with a prepared set of ideas, children spend their time productively rather than watching endless cartoons. Experienced nannies understand that every child is unique and adapt activities to their current interests and age.
The benefits of organized leisure
- Reduction of stress in children during separation from parents.
- Targeted development of fine motor skills and cognitive functions.
- Building a trusting relationship between the child and the babysitter.
- A safe environment where every game is thought-out and supervised.
A child's calmness depends largely on how engaging their day is. If the nanny is not just "watching" but is involved in the process, the evening time spent with parents is much more relaxed and cozy.
10 educational home games to suggest to your nanny
The list of effective play methods includes creativity, sensory tasks, and logic puzzles, all achievable within any Israeli apartment. Using simple everyday items turns an ordinary day into an exciting learning experience.
- Sensory bins: Collecting small items (grains, pebbles, buttons) to develop tactile sensations.
- Homemade "Shadow Theater": A creative approach to developing speech and storytelling skills.
- Sorting by color and shape: Basic logic training for toddlers aged 2-4.
- Building a "pillow maze": Physical activity and movement coordination.
- Culinary experiment: Preparing a simple salad or fruit smoothie together (teaching responsibility).
- Drawing on semolina: The perfect exercise for fine motor skill development.
- "Treasure" hunt: The nanny hides toys, and the child learns to navigate the space in the house.
- Collages from natural materials: If you have a garden, collecting leaves and creating art expands the child's perspective.
- Language learning with cards: Especially relevant in Israel — an easy word game in Hebrew or English.
- Reading with discussion: Not just listening, but active participation in recounting the plot.
Table 1: Activity distribution by age
| Age | Type of activities | Skills developed |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 years | Sensory, stacking toys, modeling clay | Fine motor skills |
| 4–6 years | Role-playing games, building sets | Imagination, socialization |
| 7+ years | Board games, logic | Critical thinking |
How to choose a nanny who will actually play, not just supervise?
A careful choice of specialist on the EzraHome Connect platform starts with the profile: look for pedagogical experience, and at the interview — for a love for children. As with classified ads, the checks are yours to do: verify the ID, ask about background, and hold a personal interview with the candidate. Interview questions are in our guide interviewing a nanny in Israel.
Typical scenarios:
- Parents want their child to practice Hebrew through play: agree in advance with the nanny which word games and flashcards to prepare.
- A family needs a nanny for an evening after kindergarten: discuss calm activities for the evening and the child's bedtime routine beforehand.
- A child is shy with a new person: start with a short shared game together with the parents at home, and only then leave the two of them alone.
How much does a professional babysitter cost in Israel?
Service costs depend on the specialist's qualifications, the number of hours, and additional household duties. By 2026 market price lists, a babysitter costs about 40–60 NIS per hour for one child and 50–80 NIS per hour for two or more.
Table 2: Estimated hourly rate (2026 market price lists)
| Number of children | Average rate (NIS per hour) |
|---|---|
| One child | 40–60 |
| Two or more | 50–80 |
Important note: Hiring a nanny means not just paying for hours, but also taking care of safety and legal arrangements yourself: EzraHome does not vet candidates or handle paperwork.
Child safety: how to vet a nanny yourself
Child safety means no random people in your home. Parents worry about the psychological comfort of their children, so vet the specialist in several stages yourself: documents, references, a trial day. For the legal aspects — from contracts to Bituah Leumi — consult an accountant, so you can rest assured about the legality of the hire.
Practical tip: keep the contact details of a backup nanny: if your regular nanny falls ill or does not show up, you have someone to call and the child's routine is not disrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I find a nanny for just a few hours? Yes, in your job post you can ask for both one-time help and long-term cooperation.
- Do you check the criminal history of nannies? No, EzraHome does not run background checks. Ask the candidate for documents and check references yourself.
- Does EzraHome help with tax documents? No, EzraHome does not provide consultations on legal staffing in Israel; ask an accountant.
- If the nanny isn't a good fit, is a replacement possible? Yes, you can choose another specialist by posting the job again on EzraHome Connect; the platform does not promise a replacement.
- Do I need to prepare materials for the games in advance? Ask the nanny: many specialists bring their own methods, and you can discuss your specific skill development requests with her.
Taking care of a child's harmonious development is a joint effort between parents and a responsible specialist. Describe your request on EzraHome Connect, compare profiles and talk to candidates, and you will get not only free time but also the confidence that your child spends their hours productively and happily.