Developmental Milestone: 3 Years

What Most Children Do by this Age:

Social/Emotional:

• Copies adults and friends

• Shows affection for friends without prompting

• Takes turns in games

• Shows concern for a crying friend

• Understands the idea of “mine” and “his” or “hers”

• Shows a wide range of emotions

• Separates easily from mom and dad

• May get upset with major changes in routine

• Dresses and undresses self

Language/Communication:

• Follows instructions with 2 or 3 steps

• Can name most familiar things

• Understands words like “in,” “on,” and “under”

• Says first name, age, and sex

• Names a friend

• Says words like “I,” “me,” “we,” and “you” and some plurals (cars, dogs, cats)

• Talks well enough for strangers to understand most of the time

• Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving):

• Can work with toys that have buttons, levers, and moving parts

• Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people

• Does puzzles with 3 or 4 pieces

• Understands what “two” means

• Copies a circle with a pencil or crayon

• Turns book pages one at a time

• Builds towers of more than 6 blocks

• Screws and unscrews jar lids or turns the door handle

Movement/Physical Development:

• Climbs well

• Runs easily

• Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike)

• Walks up and down stairs, one foot on each step

What You Can Do for Your 3-Year-Old:

• Go to play groups with your child or other places where there are other children, to encourage getting along with others.

• Work with your child to solve problems when they are upset.

• Talk about your child’s emotions. For example, say, “I can tell you feel mad because you threw the puzzle piece.” Encourage your child to identify feelings in books.

• Set rules and limits for your child, and stick to them. If your child breaks a rule, give them a time-out for 30 seconds to 1 minute in a chair or in their room. Praise your child for following the rules.

• Give your child instructions with 2 or 3 steps. For example, “Go to your room and get your shoes and coat.”

• Read to your child every day. Ask your child to point to things in the pictures and repeat words after you.

• Give your child an “activity box” with paper, crayons, and coloring books. Color and draw lines and shapes with your child.

• Play matching games. Ask your child to find objects in books or around the house that are the same.

• Play counting games. Count body parts, stairs, and other things you use or see every day.

• Hold your child’s hand when going up and down stairs. When they can go up and down easily, encourage them to use the railing.

• Play outside with your child. Go to the park or hiking trail. Allow your child to play freely and without structured activities.