My children kept each other entertained for most of the school holidays. Now that my two oldest are back at school, my three-year-old is at a loss for what to do. Any ideas on how we can fill our quieter afternoons together?
If she’s missing her siblings, she might like to guess what they are up to with a game of Schools. Pretend to be in the playground and ring an imaginary bell at 9 o’clock. Take turns to be teacher, and ask the class to sit cross-legged on the carpet for the register. (If you want extra pupils, then dollies and teddies are usually quite good at sitting still.) Read a story, do some counting, think of 20 things beginning with the letter P, or simply tell everyone what you know about fish, rainbows or Florence Nightingale. If anyone wants to ask or answer a question, they must put their hand up first. When you’ve had enough teaching, march in and out of rooms back to the imaginary playground where you can share a few clapping rhymes at breaktime.
If you fancy some fresh air before school pick-up time, go for a gentle stroll at your daughter’s pace. When you’re the youngest, it always feels like you are having to run and catch up and there’s never enough time to just amble. Good things to look out for are: dandelion clocks to blow, blackberries to pick, spiders’ webs to stare at, puddles to jump in, stiles or fences to negotiate, cows to moo at, sheep to sing to and low-hanging branches to bounce on. Stop and enjoy them all and rediscover the joys of carefree, idle busyness.
If she’s still feeling bereft, bake some fairy cakes – everyone can enjoy decorating them after school, but only she will be at home to lick the bowl.
If you’re at your wits’ end, e-mail Polly&Suzy@thetimes.co.uk