Need a break? Want the secret to independent play? Does half an hour of guaranteed alone time to drink your coffee every morning sound unrealistic? Want a list of play ideas that you can actually use? No pasta strainers, no elaborate set ups that take 30 mins to put together and then your child only plays with it for 2. 101 Indoor play ideas, 101 Sensory play ideas and over 30 safe play recipes that I use everyday and you will too! Nothing beats the moment you realise today doesn't have to be hard. The Playbooks that make parenting easier — made by a teacher who uses them every day. Your day is going downhill. Your toddler's upset and so are you. You reach for a list of play ideas and choose 1 knowing that it will take less than 5 mins to set up, even with your toddler hanging off your leg. You have everything you need and it's an opportunity for you and your toddler to play together, and turn your day around. I made these 3 Playbooks for my family and we use them every day! In January 2025 I had a newborn and an 18 month old. It was a tough time until I realised I needed to do something different and I taught my eldest to play independently in just 4 weeks! Everything I did is included in these Playbooks! My Playbook bundle is different: Made by a teacher so your toddlers can learn through play. I like to call it 'accidental learning' because it is fun! My toddler has learnt how to spell his name, count to 20, the names of shapes and matching patterns, all through the power of play! This is going to put my toddler ahead of his peers at school AND make the transition to school easier! Your toddler can do this too! 3 Playbooks Included The Indoor Playbook: Over 100 play ideas for inside using toys you already have in creative ways. Each card includes ideas for babies, toddlers and preschool ages! Tips and Tricks on how to encourage sibling play! The Sensory Play Playbook: Over 100 play ideas for sensory play including themes (diggers, mermaids and more), celebrations (Valentine's Day, Christmas Day, birthdays and more) and bookish play (The Hungry Caterpillar, Hairy Maclary and more!) Each card includes ideas for babies, toddlers and preschool ages! Tips and Tricks on how to encourage sibling play! The Sensory Recipe Playbook: Over 30 play recipes using ingredients from your pantry including play dough using boiled water (because who has has time to cook it?), kinetic sand (because who knows what is in it otherwise?) and so many more that I cannot choose a favourite! Also Included: Independent Play: The tips and tricks I used to teach my 18 month old velcro toddler to play independently in 4 weeks! Sibling Play: Tips of how to encourage positive sibling play to improve their bond and give you a break! Sensory Play Starter Guide: How to and recommended purchases for beginning sensory play. Weekly Planning Pages: 2 versions of weekly planning pages to help you if you like to plan for the week ahead. 2 Versions of Every Playbook: A4 Version: Print and leave on your bench OR save it on your phone as an app so you always have it when you need it! Card Version: Print double sided as cards! I have mine laminated and on my bench so I can always reach them. My Story As a mum of a newborn and an 18-month-old, I was relying on the TV to get through each day. But when my toddler started having regular tantrums, I needed a change. As a teacher, I knew I needed some practical tools to help us thrive. I remembered my husband saying he wished he had a list of play ideas while he was a stay at home dad for 12 months. I thought that was a great idea so I started looking for activities online, but it was overwhelming and often required hours of prep or expensive new toys. I was feeling hopeless, guilty and like a failure. So, I decided to take a different approach. I started spending just 10 minutes before bed each night preparing for the next day, using toys we already had, and thinking of new ways to use them. And it worked! Within a month, my days transformed from chaos to calm. I made the Playbooks! No fuss, no buying new toys, just practical tips that actually work. These activities are suitable for babies to preschoolers, and focus on building concentration, problem-solving, and essential skills for school readiness. Samantha WylieTeacher, Wife, Mum of 2 in 2, Creator and Owner of The Aussie Toy Detective.
