Three-Year-Old Development

Physical Development

At the age of three, your preschooler may be able to do the following physical activities:

Ride a tricycle

Hop on one foot

Jump with both feet horizontally

Stack up to 10 objects

Catch a ball

Paint with a paintbrush or hands

Color with crayons

Manipulate small objects, such as pegs

Social/Emotional Development

Three-year-olds love to pretend play and act very dramatically. It is at this age when they begin to learn to share with others. You may find that your three-year-old is starting to understand what the rules of the house are and knows the consequences for not following them. Your three-year-old may have bursts of anger, but they are short-lived. It is important to encourage your three-year-old to "use their words", as I tell mine, instead of screaming and crying. Once they see that this gets them what they want a little quicker, they will begin to tell you what's on their mind instead of screaming at you.

Chores Your Three-Year-Old Should Be Able to Do

I bet your preschooler loves to help you clean up the house. I know every time I'm doing any housework, my little one is right there beside me offering a helping hand. They are capable, so why not give them a task? There are many things your three-year-old should be able to do around the house to help you out, such as:

Set and clear the table

Sweep the floor with a broom and/or hold the dust pan

Dust

Scrub the toilets

Wipe down countertops

Empty the dryer and help match socks or place shirts on hangers

Get the mail from the mailbox

Water plants

Activities Your Three-Year-Old Should Be Able to Do

Let the fun begin! There are many activities your preschooler can, and loves, to do. Here are just a few:

Climb, jump, ride tricycles

Play with toys that have small pieces or parts

Dressing and undressing themselves/dolls

Sing songs and dance

Tell/make-up stories

Sort different/same objects

Color with paint, crayons, chalk, etc.

Recite parts of stories or songs they remember

Tell you about their day
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I'm Stacey Lloyd, the Executive Editor and one of many writers for PreschoolRock.com. I enjoy writing about preschoolers, and reading your ideas and experiences with your preschooler. If you have any suggestions, ideas or questions about this site, please contact me.

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