Get to know a three year old’s skills

The start of nursery years is often when we parents notice our child opening up to the world and needing to broaden that early, close mum–child bond with new friends and experiences. The change is not always smooth. Nursery life needs getting to know, adapting to and getting used to. A strong sense of security can be supported by the nursery teachers, a calm parental attitude and a gentle, accepting settling-in period.

Once this takes shape, you will happily see your child come home from nursery each day with fresh stories. They drew something lovely, learned a new rhyme, made a friend. In the first nursery year, fully shared play is not always typical, since many children are meeting peers for the first time and must learn to adapt. At first they play separately, watch others and imitate them, and from this, different kinds of interaction begin to grow.
At three, children speak about themselves in the first person and use the word “I”. They also ask adults for help in words.

At three, children can share toys with playmates

Offering objects and asking appear, though you may also see tussles to get hold of something. Nursery, as a new setting, teaches new rules which children often accept more easily than at home. That is why you may see your little one “letting off steam” after getting home, because home feels looser to them.

The toddler tantrum phase tends to appear around two to three, though it can be a little later. It is hard to miss the sudden outbursts. They refuse to get dressed, refuse to head home. If refused, they may throw themselves to the floor, whether in a shop or on the pavement. A parent can feel helpless, angry or upset, which may later turn into guilt.

Why do tantrums appear

They can happen at any age under emotional pressure, but in this phase it is the push for will and independence meeting a lack of solutions. This knocks them off balance when, for example, a parent says no or the child realises they cannot manage something. They feel frustration, hit limits and rage. The day’s built up tensions can also trigger a meltdown, and loving support from parents can help to discharge it.

Although difficult for both sides, the tantrum phase is necessary. Children do not set out to upset parents on purpose. There are very good, up to date approaches from professionals on how to respond well.

How does movement develop at three

To observe more clearly, let us separate gross motor and fine motor skills. Gross motor development is now strong, balance and coordination become more stable. No surprise - your little one spends the day running, spinning, jumping and climbing. Static balance on one leg can be seen and may be kept for 1 to 2 seconds. They can also try the same balance while standing on tiptoes.
Going up and down stairs with alternating feet without holding on is now possible. Balance bikes and pedal vehicles come to the fore and see lots of successful use.

Fine motor wise, drawing is much more refined. Children control the hand and try consciously to create shapes and familiar figures. To support this vital creative area, keep pencils, crayons, play dough, finger paints and child scissors within reach at home.

A ball is a brilliant toy because it can be thrown, aimed, caught, bounced, kicked, dribbled and rolled. It works for solo play and with others.

Hand preference begins to emerge

At first, babies use both sides equally. If at this age you notice movement limited to one side only, see a specialist. Handedness usually becomes clear by four to five. If it does not and a child keeps switching hands, that is mixed dominance, which can be supported with targeted therapy - important for avoiding later learning difficulties. Which hand does your child use more often

It is important not to train a child to be right or left handed. This develops naturally on its own.

A three year old’s thinking is egocentric 

In other words self centred. They mainly see things from their own point of view. The explanations they give for what happens depend not only on cognitive development but strongly on interests. Every child is different. Accept that they will not know everything a peer might, and enjoy the new things they come up with.

Why Where When What

We are in the question phase. They want to know everything and soak up information. Give understandable, simple answers.
What other changes might you notice in communication

• Your child can listen to a story for 10 to 15 minutes

• They understand more complex sentences and speak in multi word sentences themselves

• They understand and use suffixes and prepositions

• Active vocabulary in use is around 700 to 900 words

• Pronunciation is usually clear

You may notice brief blocks in speech at times. These are not stammering. The simple reason is that thoughts race and they cannot yet express them quickly. Sound errors are natural at this age. If at three your child has not reached the expected vocabulary spurt toward the range above, contact an early development centre experienced in kick starting speech.

Wings on the wish for independence

Self care develops along individual paths, shaped by interests, opportunities and skills. Steps often begin around the daily routine, through imitation rather than planned thought. You will see independence efforts in washing, dressing and eating. It is immensely motivating for children to feel the basic joy of success. Be patient and give them room to finish the job.

How does self feeding develop By the spoon, the fork also becomes interesting. They handle utensils well and can use a cup properly.

Toilet training, handwashing and nose blowing are usually in place. Undressing is easier, dressing is harder. You can help by choosing clothes your child can manage themselves. LiaaBébé’s extra flexible bamboo baby and children’s clothing helps three year olds so that getting dressed is about success, not stress.

Sources:

NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough — 3 year developmental milestones

NHS Best Start in Life — Learning conversations and telling stories, 3 to 5 years