What to expect from your 3 year old

Milestones

• Ways your toddler is developing between 3 and 4 years of age.
• Can sing a simple song.
• Tells you about things he/she has done.
• Knows his/her first and last names.
• Builds towers of 9-10 blocks.
• Jumps and hops on one foot.
• Tries to draw a person with several parts (such as head, body, legs).
• Plays simple games with friends; begins to share toys.
• Enjoys simple picture puzzles.
• Help your child learn new skills by playing with him/her.

Health Tips

• Water is a healthy drink. Offer it instead of sweet drinks with snacks. Your child still needs about two cups of milk every day.
• Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Help your child brush his/her teeth every day. Use a tiny pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Take him/her for a dental check-up at least once a year.
• Teach your child to wash their hands well after playing and using the toilet, and before eating. Use soap and rub hands together for about 20 seconds.

Parenting Tips

• Children learn best by doing.
• Play active games (tag, ball, riding wheeled toys, climbing).
• Play imagination games (using dolls, figure toys, story books).
• Use toys that use their hands (blocks, big puzzles).
• Limit television and computer time to less than one hour a day.
• Read to your child every day. Talk with him/her about the pictures and story.
• You are your child’s best teacher. Your child watches how you treat others, eat, exercise, relax, use your seat belt, and cross the street. Your child tries to be like you.

Safety Tips

• Check your home for hazards often. Your child is not old enough to stay away from things that could harm him/her, like matches, guns, and poisons. Lock them up!
• Continue using a car seat until your child weighs 40 pounds. After that, use a booster seat up to about 80 pounds. Keep your child in the back seat.
• Make sure your child uses a helmet whenever he/she rides a tricycle, scooter, or other toys with wheels.