3 years, 7 months old
Every Day Is an Adventure
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 43 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, dear parent!
Where has our little toddler gone? One minute you have this little sidekick, following you everywhere, eager to help… and the next, you have a full-blown preschooler with opinions, a growing sense of independence, and a big “I can do it!” attitude.
At this age, they might want to take over everything, telling you how it should be done or insisting on doing it all themselves. And then there are the moments where they still reach for your hand, or hide behind your leg, wanting a little more help and closeness; and that’s just as okay too.
Every child finds their independence in their own time. Some charge ahead, strong-willed and determined, while others move more gently, building confidence with you right beside them 🤍
Some moments flow beautifully, and others feel a bit clunky; and your right in the middle of it all… you’re trying to keep up with the constant requests, the “watch me!”, the “I do it!”, while still somehow getting them to do the things you need them to do. You’re learning when to step in, when to step back, and how to support their growing independence without losing your mind in the process.
And somewhere in between the negotiations, the picking your battles (My daughter has once worn her pjs 3 days straight, day and night) the big feelings, and the everyday moments… you find yourself falling more in love with this little person you’re getting to know more and more each day 🤍 They’re learning, stretching, and testing the world in their own way.
Activity 1: Puppet Show Play
How: Use socks, soft toys, or paper bag puppets and create a simple stage with a table and blanket or a couch cushion. Begin by retelling a favourite story or nursery rhyme, or tell a story about something your child has experienced; children love hearing stories where they are the main character! Then let them take over. If they need a little help, ask questions like, "What happened next?" or "Who did you meet along the way?" and watch their imagination unfold.
Why: Builds language, storytelling, confidence, imagination, and emotional expression while giving children the chance to make sense of their own experiences through play.
Activity: Tape & Tool Creation Station ✂️
How: Set up a simple space with masking tape, paper or cardboard, and a few tools; safety scissors, a stapler, a hole punch, and some crayons or markers.
Let your child explore freely; ripping tape, sticking, cutting, joining, drawing… no end goal, just creating and experimenting.
They may need a hand using some of the tools safely and effectively.
My girls LOVE masking tape; they’ll tape anything and everything, from paper to chair legs. It might look like a random collection of tape, but it keeps them deeply engaged for such long stretches of independent play.
Why:
💪 Builds fine motor strength
🧠 Encourages independence and problem-solving
🎨 Supports creativity without pressure
It’s not about what they make… it’s all about the process ✨
Song of the month: Sleeping bunnies
Have everyone lie down and “go to sleep”… nice and quiet 🤫
🎶 “See the little bunnies sleeping till it’s nearly noon…
Shall we wake them with a merry tune?
Wake up little bunnies, wake up!”
Everyone jumps up and hops around like bunnies! 🐰
Its so fun at this age with the big contrast between calm and energetic and easy to follow song. By this age (if they haven't already) they will love to change up the animals, let it be crocodiles snapping, elephants stomping or lions roaring...it'll get lots of giggles and energy every time. And if you have multiple kids, siblings or mothers group friends, its a perfect one to bring them together, connect and calm.
As soon as they here you (loudly) whisper the first line, they will come running.
Book of the Month: Where the Wild Things Are
A beautiful, imaginative story that really speaks to this age ✨ Whether your little one is full of big energy or big feelings, this book gives them a safe space to explore both.
With its simple yet powerful storytelling, it invites children into a world of imagination, while gently showing that all feelings are okay, and that home, comfort, and connection are always there waiting.
It’s one of those stories that grows with them… and one you’ll find yourself reading again and again 🤍
Did You Know?
Puppet play is a powerful way for children to express their thoughts and feelings. Sometimes they’ll say things through a puppet that they wouldn’t say out loud themselves.
It also builds language, storytelling, and confidence, all while feeling like simple, playful fun 🎭
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Now is a great time to name turn-taking out loud. "It's your turn!" "Now it’s my turn!" This naming acknowledges their growing ability to share, wait, and understand social clues. You'll find yourself in the heart of more mini-collaborations each day!
Memory is a fun little game to support turn taking (just remember to limit the pairs to 8-10 pairs at the start, so its a successful game)
Remember: it’s not about doing more; it’s about those moments where your child feels truly seen. When you notice what they’re doing, listen to their ideas, and respond to their little stories, you’re telling them, “You matter.”
Those small moments of being heard and understood build their confidence, their connection to you, and the way they see themselves in the world 🤍
You’re doing beautifully, one day at a time.