Best activities for 3-year-olds when you need 20 quiet minutes

Three-year-olds have lots of energy and short attention spans. When you need twenty quiet minutes to cook, work or rest, these activities can help. None needs much set-up.

Sorting and matching

• Sort by colour. Give a bowl of mixed buttons, lids or toy cars and ask them to group by colour.
• Spoons and cups. Move dry rice or dal from one bowl to another with a spoon. Use a tray to catch spills.
• Sock matching. A basket of clean socks makes an easy game.

Drawing and making

• Big paper and crayons. Tape a large sheet to the floor.
• Sticker scenes. Draw a background and let them add stickers.
• Dough play. Homemade atta dough with a few cutters keeps small hands busy.

Pretend play

• Tea party. Cups, toys and a pretend menu.
• Doctor or shop. Use soft toys as patients or customers.
• Car park. Draw lanes on paper and park toy cars.

Books and quiet games

• Picture book basket. Offer five books and let them choose.
• Simple puzzle. Four to twelve large pieces suits most three-year-olds.
• "I spy" with colours. Quiet, no props needed.

Tips that help

Keep a "quiet box" of a few activities that only come out at these times. New-feeling things hold attention longer. Stay nearby, and start the activity with your child for the first couple of minutes so they settle.

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