3 years old
**Month 36: Storytime Adventures Await**
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 3 year old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
5 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hey there, wonderful parent!
Happy 3rd birthday little one! And congratulations to you, on three years of giving so much to help this tiny person grow and thrive. Life changes so much in these early years; you may not even remember what it was like before, and it’s hard to imagine what you once did with all that time! Like many parents, we used to think we were busy, but now we laugh about it and joke that once the kids sleep through, we’ll feel like superheroes (we’re still waiting!).
But everything is relative, your needs, priorities, and expectations all shift as your world changes. Time can feel like it’s flying by, and sometimes moving slowly, but the jobs will always be there, your little ones won’t be little for long. So slow down, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the simple, beautiful moments together.
The year ahead will bring new words, ideas, stories, and big feelings. Their imagination, problem-solving, and humour will continue to grow (toilet humour and all!), and while those emotions may be big and challenging at times, you’ve got this.
Around age three my eldest discovered the absolute comedy gold of toilet humour. “Poo poo” and “fart” became the answer to every question, the punchline to every joke, and was even enthusiastically shouted out the car window to family as we waved goodbye. I’m fairly sure one night, I even heard it whispered as she drifted off to sleep.
Meanwhile my middle child, around 16 months with language exploding, was learning her first sentences. I watched them drawing one day as Remi proudly coached her sister: “Nia, say poo poo… say poo poo fart… say wee wee,” beautifully expanding her vocabulary.
Those words were heavily featured in our house for quite a while, (and still are!) so it was a huge relief to discover our friends with kids the same age were having the exact same conversations. At least our parenting hadn’t completely gone down the toilet.
Here are a few simple activities when your looking for a bit of connection and extra fun!
Activity 1: Draw & Tell Stories
How: Set out some paper and crayons. Invite your child to draw anything they like, or maybe a character from their latest favorite story. As they draw, ask them about their picture, encouraging them to make up a tale as they go.
Why: This blend of creativity and conversation builds storytelling skills and gives them confidence in expressing their ideas. It's in these chats that they begin to understand how stories work, and you're right there, listening and loving it all.
Tip: If you find them resisting the conversation and engaged in their drawing, give them time, let them immerse themselves in their drawing, they will soon bring it to you for the story afterwards! There is also no pressure to make the story, drawing itself offers so many benefits and creativity.
Activity 2: Ball Obstacle Roll
How: Arrange pillows, boxes, or soft toys on the floor to create an obstacle course. Show your child how to gently roll a ball around or through the obstacles.
Why: This playful challenge develops coordination and problem-solving as they figure out how to navigate the ball through the course. Plus, it’s an energetic way to enjoy some indoor fun together!
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around
Words & Actions:
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around
👉 Turn around in a circle
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground
👉 Bend down and touch the floor
Teddy bear, teddy bear, reach up high
👉 Stretch arms up tall
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the sky
👉 Reach as high as you can
Teddy bear, teddy bear, bend down low
👉 Bend down again
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch your toes
👉 Touch toes
Teddy bear, teddy bear, sit down quick
👉 Sit down on the floor
Teddy bear, teddy bear, that’s the trick!
👉 Smile, clap, or finish with a big freeze
It’s great for this age because it supports listening, following directions, body awareness, and movement coordination, plus they love the repetition and actions!
Book of the Week: The Smartest Giant in Town
We’re continuing our little Julia Donaldson theme this month (after The Gruffalo)… because her books really are just so good.
Why we love them:
Beautiful, flowy rhyming language
So fun to read with different voices
Gentle, meaningful messages
This story follows George the giant as he shares what he has to help others; a simple, lovely reminder of kindness 💛
Honestly, all her books are little treasures. Read a few, read them all, find your favourites… and then read them again and again (because that’s where the magic is ✨)
Did You Know?
Around age 3, children often experience a big surge in imagination and pretend play, they may create whole storylines, assign roles, and bring everyday objects to life as part of their play. This kind of imaginative play is a key way they build language, problem-solving skills, and social understanding, all while having fun.
Social & Emotional Skills: 3-Year-Olds
At 3, children begin to recognise and express their feelings, show early empathy, and engage more with others. With support from trusted adults, they’re learning to manage big emotions, take turns, and build early social connections.
So as you step into this new stage, remember, you are already doing enough; it’s your presence, your calm words, guidance, and big hugs that build their confidence and self-esteem. That’s really all they need to feel safe to explore and take on the world. From three onwards… they’ll happily start taking the lead (whether you’re ready or not 😄).
(and don’t worry, whether you wince or laugh, that “poo poo and wee wee” phase is just that… a phase 😄 it will pass… eventually!)