Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • Podcasts
  • Kindred
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      Do you struggle to put your kiddo to bed—or keep them there? Read on to find out how to sleep train toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    When sex coincides with your most fertile days, your chances of getting pregnant increase. Get to know each phase of your cycle to help you conceive (or avoid) a pregnancy.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the signs of approaching labor, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    From Bridgerton to travel destinations, learn what's inspiring the baby name trends of 2022.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn't need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids' birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
    • Moms Run the World
    • The Stay at Home Guide
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects. Bonus: Each one can double as a homemade gift for someone special!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • Podcasts

    Podcasts

    • We Are Family Podcast
    • That New Mom Life Podcast
    • Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
  • Kindred
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Raising Kids
  3. Toddlers & Preschoolers
  4. Development
  5. Milestones
  6. Your Growing 3-Year-Old

Your Growing 3-Year-Old

June 03, 2010
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: iStock
Your toddler is 3 and ready for more independence. Take a look at what this exciting year will bring and how to prepare for what's next.
Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Getting Dressed

toddler pulling off clothes
Credit: Buff Strickland

You're probably becoming very familiar with the phrase, "Let me do it!" One of the many tasks your toddler wants to try is getting dressed all by herself. "Three-year-olds should be able to dress themselves in basic attire, such as pull-on pants or slip-on shoes," says Mike Mosiman, coauthor of The Smarter Preschooler: Unlocking Your Child's Intellectual Potential. Help your little one with this grown-up task by laying out clothes for her and choosing easy, pull-on styles that don't have difficult buttons and zippers. Be ready to assist your child, but have plenty of patience. By dressing herself, your tot is learning important skills and independence.

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Feeding Himself

toddler eating banana
Credit: Gemma Comas

If your little guy insists on feeding himself, sending peas and carrots everywhere, he's right on track. Most 3-year-olds can feed themselves with a spoon or fork and drink from a regular cup. If you have a picky eater, let him know he needs to sample what's on his plate rather than allowing him to refuse his dinner. Try "disguising" fruits and veggies by mixing broccoli into his mac 'n' cheese or replacing the jelly in a PB&J sandwich with apple or banana slices. Make mealtime fun and easy with finger foods such as kabobs.

2 of 10

3 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Potty Training

girl on potty
Credit: Kaysh Shinn

Experts and parents agree: For potty training to be successful, your child must be ready. By 3 years old, your toddler might express interest in using the bathroom; she might tell you she has to go or ask for a clean diaper. Start a routine of having her sit on the potty throughout the day to become comfortable with it. Some accidents are normal, but if after several weeks your child still has frequent accidents or just isn't interested in the potty, take a break. You can try again in a month or two when the child might be more interested or ready for training.

When your little one is ready to learn, heap on the praise and encourage your "big girl" to go potty independently. Many parents swear by bribes and rewards, such as sticker charts. Remember, even if your child can use the potty during the day, she might not be capable of staying dry at night. Slip your tot into a pair of disposable training pants before bed for a better night's sleep.

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Making Friends

friends
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

Your 3-year-old is ready and willing to make new friends, but he still needs some help from you. Arrange playdates with a small, regular group of peers. Three-year-olds tend to engage in parallel play, meaning playing next to, rather than with, other children. By sticking with the same kids, your child will have a chance to form relationships. Playdates are the perfect times to practice positive values, such as empathy and sharing. "Three-year-olds are not good sharers, but their awareness of other people's feelings is beginning to develop," says Susan S. Bartell, Ph.D., parenting psychologist and author of The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask. Nurture this by explaining why taking a toy makes his friend sad and by supervising short turns to encourage sharing. Keeping doubles of popular toys on hand can also help a playdate go smoothly.

4 of 10

5 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Starting Activities

little artists
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

Toddler classes help your child learn and grow, and age 3 is the perfect time to try a group activity. Sports classes will teach your tots the basics of games such as soccer, basketball, and baseball while emphasizing teamwork and sharing. Or get them moving in tumbling and swim classes to develop flexibility, balance, and even overcome fear. For the creative kid, art and music classes are great ways to practice cognitive skills. No matter what type of activity you choose, your toddler will be learning important skills while having fun and making new friends. Check out your local YMCA, Gymboree, and fitness and community centers to see what classes they offer.

5 of 10

6 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Doing Chores

Sweep the floor
Credit: Beth Studenberg

Toddlers love to help around the house, and you'll be surprised by how much they can do! "Three-year-olds can understand and follow simple commands such as 'Take your plate to the sink' or 'Put the cars in the basket,'" Mosiman says. Give your tot a job when you make dinner or clean up -- it boosts his self-esteem and makes him feel like an important part of the household. But pay attention to your child's capabilities. If a task is too complicated, he might feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Chores are great ways to foster valuable habits early. Encourage your toddler to put his clothes in the hamper each day and to place toys back in bins and on shelves after playtime. Make cleanup more fun by setting a timer, playing music, or inventing a game.

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Developing Language

child
Credit: Tina Rupp

By age 3, toddlers are talking a lot. Your toddler now has a vocabulary of about 300 words and can make simple, three-word sentences, Mosiman says. Even when your child is sitting quietly, she is soaking in your conversation. And she understands more than you think. What your toddler understands is called receptive language. It's an important part of language development. The best thing you can do to help develop your toddler's language is talk. Describe what you're doing, how the weather feels, the way your food tastes -- your little one will learn new words and better grammar.

7 of 10

8 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Taming Tantrums

sad child
Credit: iStock

Three-year-olds are bound to burst into the occasional temper tantrum. But when your little guy has a meltdown, try to keep your cool and avoid yelling back when he is acting out. Instead, ignore your child's outburst and continue what you are doing. When he sees screaming will get him nowhere, he'll stop. Or try to distract your tot to instantly tame the tantrum. Make him laugh, tell a story with funny voices, or give him a little squeeze. After the tantrum subsides, hug him, say you love him, and move on. Above all, keep discipline consistent.

8 of 10

9 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Following Simple Directions & Making Choices

mother playing with child
Credit: PhotoAlto/ Matton

You want your child to become a good listener and to learn to respond to your directions. Luckily, getting cooperation might be as simple as rephrasing what you want. Rather than ask your child to do something, tell her nicely but firmly. When you ask, your 3-year-old feels she has the option to decline. Say, "Pick up your blocks please," instead of "Can you pick up your blocks?" And after she does it, thank her and praise her effort. Children are also more likely to follow instructions if they have a sense of control. When she's getting dressed, ask your little girl if she wants to wear the green sweatshirt or the purple shirt with long sleeves. Offer two acceptable options, and everyone leaves happy.

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sleeping Soundly

little boy sleeping
Credit: iStock

Your toddler recently switched from two naps to one, and now he thinks he's ready for no nap at all. Don't fall for it -- most kids will need a nap until age 5. Your child might, however, be ready for a new nap schedule. Instead of sticking to the clock, put your child down when he starts to get tired. If your little one refuses to nap, try a quiet time instead.

At bedtime, your child might stall to exercise control, even as his eyes droop shut. Stick to your routine -- such as bathtime, then reading before bed -- but let him make some decisions. Picking out his pajamas or choosing a story will make your child feel valued and more willing to climb into bed.

Copyright 2010 Meredith Corporation.

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 10 Getting Dressed
    2 of 10 Feeding Himself
    3 of 10 Potty Training
    4 of 10 Making Friends
    5 of 10 Starting Activities
    6 of 10 Doing Chores
    7 of 10 Developing Language
    8 of 10 Taming Tantrums
    9 of 10 Following Simple Directions & Making Choices
    10 of 10 Sleeping Soundly

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Parents. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Your Growing 3-Year-Old
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.