As they approach the age of 3 they have now left the toddler stage and entered the preschooler stage. So much going on.

Their skills have developed and refined so much since the toddler phase especially noticeable is their language and gross motor skills, however, their social and emotional skills are still developing and need more time to mature.

A 3 year old still thinks the world revolves around them.

They may have an imaginary friend… this is not a bad thing.

If a child has an imaginary friend they grow up to be creative, cooperative, sociable, independent, and happy.

The imaginary friend can help them to understand and make sense of their ever changing world.

At 3 years they may start to drop the day time sleep.

This may not happen till much later either but some 3 year old’s have started to not have day time sleeps.

A 3 year old can

  • Is helpful to others.
  • Asserts self with words more freely.
  • Can cope with minor frustrations.
  • Separates well from parents and with relative ease.
  • As the confidence to try new tasks.
  • Is taking turns and sharing.
  • Relates to adults one at a time.
  • Can be possessive and rebellious.
  • Is choosing own friends.
  • Shows concern and empathy to others.
  • Makes eye contact when speaking.
  • Participates in discussions and large group activities.
  • Can co-operate with one or more to complete a task.
  • Initiates own play activities.
  • Climbs confidently.
  • Shows independence- can dress self, pour own drink, feed self, toilet independently.
  • Can pack away and takes the initiative to do so.
  • Uses manners.
  • Can perform daily tasks alone.
  • Speaks in grammatically correct sentences of 3 or more words with clear articulation.
  • Follows directions well.
  • Can carry out 2 unrelated simple commands/directions.
  • Ask questions.
  • Has developed a wide vocabulary.
  • Can name familiar things.
  • Can balance on either foot for 10 seconds.
  • Catches ball with straight arms.
  • Can alter directions when running.
  • Jumps down landing on both feet.
  • Understands words such as “in,” “on,” and “under”.
  • Understands the concept of “mine” and “his” or “hers”.