3 years, 6 months old
Finding Joy in the Simple Play
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 42 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
5 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hi there, dear parent!
If you’re tuning in, your little one is now 3½, and playtime is likely a busy, fun, and sometimes chaotic adventure.
At this age, every child is so different. One might move quickly from activity to activity, while another can dive deeply into one idea for ages; chatting, imagining, and creating their own little world. And even then, it can change by the hour. One moment they’re fully immersed in play, the next they’re scattered and needing a little help to regulate again.
Some days they’ll play independently, and other days they’ll want you right there with them, and that’s all completely normal.
A little trick that can really help: try giving 10–15 minutes of fully focused play. No distractions, just following their lead and giving them your full attention. It can help ground them, and often gives you a small window after to get something done (or even enjoy a quiet cup of tea) 🤍
My girls are so different, my now 5-year-old still moves quickly from one activity to the next until something really captures her, whereas my 3.5-year-old can lie on the kitchen floor for over 20 minutes, completely immersed in an imaginary world with a couple random items.
This newsletter offers gentle, open-ended ideas that meet each child where they’re at. They’re simple to set up, but rich in learning; some support independent play, while others invite moments of connection and presence.
And remember, you’re already doing the most important thing… just by being there 🤍
Activity: Potion Play
How: Set up a simple “potion station” using cups, bowls, or jars, and a mix of water, scoops, spoons, and little containers. Let your child pour, mix, and create their own magical potions using whatever you have; water, herbs, leaves, flowers or even a drop of food colouring.
✨ Extra magic: Add a tray of bicarb soda and a little vinegar mixed with food dye, in a separate container. Let them scoop, pour, and watch the fizzy reaction come to life.
Why: Potion play is full of rich learning:
🧠 Encourages curiosity and early science thinking (cause and effect)
💪 Builds fine motor skills through pouring, scooping, and mixing
💬 Supports language and storytelling as they create and describe their potions
🎨 Invites creativity and imagination
And most importantly… it’s simple, engaging, and keeps them coming back for “just one more mix”.
Activity: Den Building
How: Create a simple den using things you already have; drape blankets over a table, chairs, or the couch, and add cushions, pillows, or a soft mat inside.
Let your little one help build it, then make it their own:
Add books for a cozy reading nook 📚
Bring in soft toys for a “sleepover”
Use a torch for a little hideaway cave 🔦
Why: Den building is full of meaningful play:
🧠 Encourages problem-solving and creativity
💪 Builds coordination as they carry, arrange, and construct
💛 Creates a sense of security and ownership (“my space”)
🎭 Supports imaginative play and storytelling
My girls love building dens. Sometimes I help them create a big cave with blankets, other times it’s as simple as a sheet over the cot. Lately, they’ve been making their own, just a few cushions and a stool on top, a few books and their drawing box. It might not look like a “proper” den to us, but to them it’s everything. They’re so proud, and it becomes a space they return to all day… sometimes even for days 🤍
Nursery Rhyme: Pat-a-Cake
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man,
Bake me a cake as fast as you can.
Pat it, and prick it, and mark it with B,
And put it in the oven for baby and me!
Classic nursery games like this one offer predictable patterns that they continue to love, especially when its linked to some meaningful connection time, playing it on their tummy like when they were a baby, tickling at the end, and then reversing roles and letting them play it on your tummy!.
Book of the Month: The Big Yellow Digger- Julie Jarman
Whether your little one loves trucks and digging, or not; this one is a winner 🚜 With its simple, engaging storyline and gentle repetition, it invites little ones to join in, make sound effects, and feel part of the action. It also carries a lovely message about teamwork and helping others, making it one of those books that’s just as enjoyable the tenth time as the first ✨
Certain books stay with you, holding a special place tied to a moment in time, maybe a gift from a grandparent, a book bought on holidays, or just a family favorite that was read 20 times a day for months.
I remember finding "The Big Yellow Digger" in a little charity shop while we were living in the UK (possibly feeling a little homesick at the time), as we read through it, I was so surprised to discover they were digging a hole all the way to Australia. It tugged at my heart, I couldn’t quite believe the irony of it 🤍
Did You Know?
Den building isn’t just fun, it actually helps children feel safe and secure. Creating their own little space gives them a sense of control and ownership, which is especially important at this age.
Those cosy corners also support imagination, problem-solving, and even emotional regulation… sometimes a little den becomes the perfect place to play, rest, or reset 🤍
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Ask your child, “What’s your plan today?”
Empowering them to express their thoughts teaches communication and the idea they have a say in their world. Whether they want to play, read, or explore, it nurtures a sense of agency and helps you discover their interests.
🌈 Remember Amidst the rhythms of daily life, what really counts is your connection, presence, and kindness. Those everyday moments are magic. Celebrate all the simple intentions, imaginative games, and shared giggles. You're doing so wonderfully, always.