My daughter(2) and I have a secret that she can't tell the other children. Right now after they leave we have a piece of candy. In the past we watched some TV or played a favorite game, or did something really messy that I don't want to do with all the kids. We take about 30 minutes doing something together, then I turn on her music and she dances while I cook dinner. Sometimes she helps me with dinner, but that can get frustrating if I am hurrying. She has just started being able to help set the table. Dad comes home around this time and he plays with her until dinner is ready. I'm not sure what I'd do in your situation, because your kids are such different ages. Secret fun works well for me, and I'm sure you can find something they both like.