2 years, 9 months old
Embracing the Everyday Adventures!
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 33 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
5 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, dear parent!
As we step into this new month together, your little one is just growing and learning so fast! Your looking back on photos and amazed that they will never be that little again. Maybe there is another sibling, one on the way, or you know now your family is complete. Whatever stage you are in, its busy. It is non stop play, demands and love; and its so exciting watch and learn who this little person is going to be.
That's what its all about, learning and growing alongside each other, with the occasional guidance and many cuddles. Through it all this is your little reminder, that you are doing enough...here are a few ideas for the month, to add a little extra to your day!
Playdough Play
How: Set your little one up with playdough and a few simple tools, rolling pins, spoons, cutters, or natural items like sticks and leaves. Encourage them to squeeze, roll, poke, and pull the dough, following their own ideas. You can join in by modelling simple actions or creating pretend food or animals together.
Why: Playdough is fantastic for building fine motor strength needed for drawing and cutting, while also supporting creativity, imagination, and problem-solving. The repetitive, hands-on play can also be very calming and regulating, helping children focus and engage for longer periods.
Playdough is a constant in our house. Its an activity where we can all sit and play with it together, each in their own ways. Its calming, fun and has so many benefits! One really important benefit is it develops finger strength. Which is so important for writing and drawing later on. Especially in todays digital world, children are using devices so much more, its such a good activity to develop those skills. My only rule is to keep it on the table (or where ever its set up!) I just follow the recipe on the side of the cream of tartar, except I star with hot water and completely dissolve the salt first and then add everything else... once finished playing wrap it up in cling film, it will keep for months!
Jump & Crash Play
How: Create a safe jumping space using cushions, pillows, or a soft mat on the floor. Let your little one jump off a low surface like the lounge or a sturdy step, landing onto the cushions. Stay close, keep it supervised, and encourage “two feet jumping” and safe landing. You can add fun by counting jumps or calling out “ready, set, jump!”
Why: Jumping and crashing is fantastic for building gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. The “crash” also gives deep pressure input, which can be very calming and regulating for young children. It supports body awareness and confidence, helping them learn what their body can do in a safe, playful way.
My girls LOVE this play, and its such a perfect one for rainy days, or when everyone is having big feelings! I find it really good for connecting again, and when they are confident enough to climb and jump themselves, its time I can just sit and rest myself for a bit, just enjoying their joy! They will climb and jump off everything and anything, so we make it safe for them to do so! Even their baby sister is into now at 16 months, I hold her hands and "jump her down" Remi and Nia think its the best!
Nursery Rhyme: ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM
Zoom, zoom, zoom,
we're going to the moon,
zoom, zoom zoom,
we'll be there very soon
if you want to take a trip
climb aboard my rocket ship
zoom, zoom, zoom
we're going to the moon
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
BALST OFF
A perfect one for jump and crash play, although as they get excited for jumping you may only have time for the blast off!
Book of the Month: That’s Not My…
The 'That’s Not My...' this series always come around again, your toddler will love textures and simple repetition, reading it with you, or echoing your voice. Now they are a little older than last time we brought out these books, they may enjoy trying to find the little mouse on each page!
It’s not just about the words; it’s the anticipation of feeling something new and the novelty of discovery each time. And honestly, any book you open up matters; it’s the shared moment that counts.
Did You Know?
Activities like jumping, crashing into cushions, big hugs, or being wrapped up tightly provide deep pressure input, which helps calm and regulate your child’s nervous system. Many toddlers naturally seek this kind of play, it helps them feel more settled, focused, and in control of their bodies.
Social & Emotional Skill Building: Risk-Taking
Between 2-3 years, children are beginning to explore risk-taking in their play, trying new physical challenges, testing their limits, and deciding what feels safe or a bit scary. Climbing higher, jumping further, or attempting something new all help build confidence and resilience.
Allow your little one to explore challenges at their own pace while you stay close, offer reassurance and trust rather than stepping in straight away. Encourage them with phrases like “you can try” or “I’m right here if you need me,” so they have the space to test their abilities, make small decisions, and build confidence through experience.
✨ Remember
Your presence is the magic in these moments of exploration, curiosity, and connection.
It’s not about guiding every moment, sometimes, just wandering alongside them is the greatest gift.
You’re doing beautifully, one adventure, one giggle, one quiet moment at a time.