Playing together still needs support
Joining in, waiting and repairing small problems are skills in progress.
Three-year-olds may want company and still find it hard to share a plan or a desired object. Stay near enough to describe what is happening before choosing a solution for them. Help each child communicate a need, then suggest a short turn, another role or a way to build together.
You can try
- Describe both needs without blaming either child.
- Offer a concrete turn or a second useful role in the game.
- Notice the repair: “You found a way to keep building together.”
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My toddler will not play alone: supporting independent play
Ideas for ages 2–4 when your child wants you close, without timed targets or leaving them unsupervised.
Read guide