3 years, 11 months old
Each Day Brings New Discoveries
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 47 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello there, dear parent!
As you move through this wonderful age, your just 1 month away from having a 4 year old! Full of imagination, big conversations, and a growing sense of independence, they’re starting to feel like their own little person more than ever.
You might notice longer stretches of play, detailed stories, and still lots of questions… alongside moments of big feelings, strong opinions, and “I want to do it my way.” It’s a beautiful mix of growth, learning, and figuring things out.
For you, it can feel like you’re constantly keeping up, supporting their independence while guiding them through it all. Always wondering if you’re doing enough… questioning why they’re still not sleeping through the night, and thinking, “will they eat this?” ...again. Alongside the constant questions, shifting moods, and growing independence, it can feel like a lot.
This newsletter offers a few gentle ideas to support both you and your child. No pressure, no expectations; just simple ways to connect, play, and enjoy this special time together 🤍
Activity 1: Threading Beads
How: Gather some large or small beads (depending on your little ones capabilities) and a bit of string or a shoelace. Let your child thread beads in any pattern they choose, or just freely as they like.
You can also use: pasta, leaves with whole punch, yogurt pouch tops, or if your feeling like recycling- drill some holes into some milk lids.
Why: This activity is a lovely way to gently boost their focus and coordination. Threading helps their little fingers learn to work together, building skills for tasks like dressing themselves later on. And you could end up with some great key chains or necklaces!
Activity: Spin, Jump, Freeze!
How: Call out different actions for your child to do, spin, jump, run, hop, twirl; then suddenly call “FREEZE!” and everyone has to stop as still as they can.
Take turns being the caller, or add music and pause it for the freeze moment. You can make it silly by adding ideas like “freeze like a statue,” “freeze like a robot,” or “freeze like you’re stuck in jelly!”
Why:
💫 Builds balance and body control (especially after spinning)
🧠 Supports listening skills and following directions
💪 Encourages coordination and quick movement
😄 Helps release big energy in a fun, playful way
It’s a simple game, but learning to stop, start, and control their body is a big skill at this age—and it usually comes with lots of laughter too ✨
ADD ON: A special little find of mine is a great activity on Spotify; it’s called The Exercise Game. It guides children through different ways of moving around the room like walking, crawling, galloping and more. It’s a great one to do with a few kids, and the best part is the cool-down at the end, which they always find funny after all the fast, energetic movement just moments before 😄
Song of the Month: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
You’ve probably already sung this one many, many times by now… and there’s a good reason it sticks around 😄
Like all nursery rhymes and action songs, it continues to be fun for years. Repeating these familiar songs over and over does wonderful things for your child; it builds language, memory, and confidence, and gives them the chance to join in, predict what’s coming next, and even take the lead.
Plus, with all the different animals and sounds, it never really gets old, you can keep adding your own ideas and letting your child’s imagination take over 🐄🐑🐖
It’s simple, familiar, and full of connection… which is exactly what makes it so powerful ✨
Book of the Month: Guess How Much I Love You
This gentle story that follows the playful competition between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare is a tender reminder of love's vastness. However you choose to share books, know that it's the time together, the shared smiles, and the familiar rhythm of your voice that mean the most.
Did You Know?
Did you know that activities like threading are about more than just having fun? They lay the groundwork for those clever little fingers to master buttons, zips, and laces one day. Every bead threaded is another step on the path to independence.
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Take a moment to sit nearby as your child plays. Watch them build, create, or imagine their way through adventures. No need to rush. Your calm presence offers them a deep sense of security and recognition that they are seen and valued just as they are. Sometimes joining in their play is welcome, or... sometimes just being there is enough.
Remember, each day is a new chapter in this shared journey. Every laugh, every story, and every moment of connection is a treasure, building up the foundation of love, trust, and confidence. You're doing a remarkable job. 💛