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 Family Life
Parenting Journey -
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Human Development - Ages & Stages
3-Year-Olds
Three-year-olds continue to become more independent. They are able to do many
everyday tasks---such as dressing and eating---with much less help than before.
Three-year-olds are very busy practicing all the new skills they have learned
and are often eager to help adults do chores. At this age, they enjoy pleasing
those around them more, and they like to laugh and interact with people.
Look at your child grow!
When your child is 3 years old, he or she may:
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run pretty well, but still fall sometimes.
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jump safely from a low step and hop on one foot for a short time.
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draw simple shapes.
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be improving at pedaling small riding toys.
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enjoy climbing and sliding.
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use words and simple phrases to communicate their needs.
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imitate the behavior of the people around them.
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remember better, but still need to be reminded sometimes.
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begin using the toilet with help.
Your child wants you to know several things. He or she may:
- need plenty of exercise indoors and out. It helps him or her grow
strong while using energy in a positive way.
- sound like he or she is stuttering when talking. Be patient and
encouraging.
- learn about right and wrong by watching and imitating you.
- need you to help use words to express feelings.
- still need lots of patience when using the toilet---accidents will still
happen.
- enjoy books and stories. Read to him or her every day.
- enjoy singing simple songs.
- make mistakes. Your child will learn from mistakes if you correct them a
positive, helpful, encouraging way.
- need to be noticed and encouraged when he or she is behaving well.
- learn how to should feel about him or herself by your treatment. Your care
and respect helps the child feel like a worthwhile person.
- need your careful attention. Every child is different. If you watch your
child closely, you will get clues about how to help him or her grow.
Your child is an active learner who:
- is curious and likes to figure out how things work.
- notices and talks about how things are similar and different.
- asks questions using the words when, how, where, and why.
- begins to sort and match many objects.
- may have trouble understanding what is real and what is pretend.
Your child is learning to connect with other people and may:
- like to please and to help others.
- be learning to use words and talk about feelings.
- need help and support to learn how to share and take turns.
- enjoy playing with other children in groups.
- like to give and receive affection.
- accept suggestions and follow simple directions.
Play helps your child learn. He or she may:
- need many opportunities to play. Play is a child's work, and
learning how to play is crucial. Children are very playful by nature. Play
includes learning, trying, being, and feeling. Through play, children learn
many things about themselves, others, and the world around them.
- enjoy games like running, rolling, throwing, puzzles, stacking, and
make-believe.
Your child may enjoy toys and activities such as:
- Nesting cups
- Cups that stack
- Puzzles (3-6 pieces)
- Matching games
- Small pegs
- Play dough
- Glue and paper
- Felt tip markers
- Puppets
- Toy animals
- Balls (different sizes)
- Large blocks
- Dress-up clothes
* The information is considered typical for this age. If you have questions
about your child's development, contact your pediatrician or health care
professional. If we do all we can do to help children develop and grow now, they
will have the best chance to succeed in life.
Adapted from Alabama Cooperative Extension System by Traci Johnston.
Originally developed by Ellen Abell and H. Wallace Goddard.
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