Remind me to keep you away from my kids! Actually, good call (for a non-parent) with the tape measure, because every kid loves a tape measure! I'm always more afraid of the sharp metal edges of the tape whizzing by their soft fingers than I am about pinching.

2 kids later they still find the only thing to cause bodily harm with which to play. sAt 4 and 2 both my boys own real tape measures and wooden yard sticks. They'll learn and I figure the exposure is good... says the Mom whose 10 month old had to have his finger re-attached.

Quick story I sat with my friends 2 daughters along with my sons for an evening. We decided to go outside to play. I asked the oldest girl if they had a ball?
Hanna: Why?
Me: For the boys to play with.
She thinks then goes to look.
Hanna: We have a Barbie one but they can't play with it because it will get dirty.

Moral: Parent or not, you are never prepared for someone else's kids.

Robin,
Well, not everything works. I use paperfolding to make cups, fortune-tellers, and other things, if the children are old enough. Songs for threes usually work, and maybe you should take back some crayons, paper clips, etc. for making toys. You can make play-do, paper helicopters and other things on the spot. OK, I'll not lecture.

Dad

Very funny story, and I agree with Pat about the tape measure. In fact, I can never find ours because three-year old Nick always seems to have it in a special place of his. I hate when people say that if you give a kid a present, he or she will play with the box. But, guess what? It's true. Not that I'm suggesting you entertain your friends' kids with boxes.

My suggestion: don't bring fingerpaints back with you.