What’s going on right now
Your three year old is talking in full sentences now and asking “why” about roughly everything, which can be exhausting and is also a great sign. Pretend play takes off this year too, from tea parties to superhero rescues, and it’s actually how kids this age work through new ideas and emotions.
Preschool or a regular playgroup often starts around now, and with it comes real practice at taking turns, following group rules and managing the disappointment of not going first. Expect some meltdowns as your child figures this out. That’s part of the learning, not a discipline failure.
Milestones you may see
- Speaking in full sentences most people outside the family can understand
- Pedaling a tricycle
- Drawing circles and copying simple shapes
- Counting a few numbers in order
- Dressing themselves with some help
- Taking turns some of the time in group play
Feeding and sleep
Picky eating peaks around this age for a lot of kids. Keep offering variety without turning meals into a battle, and know that most picky phases ease with time. Three year olds generally need about 10 to 13 hours of sleep, and plenty of kids this age are dropping their nap, even if they still need quiet rest time in the afternoon.
Keeping your child safe
Many three year olds have outgrown their rear facing weight or height limit and move to forward facing with a harness, but if your child’s seat still has room, staying rear facing longer is still the safer choice according to current AAP guidance. This is also a good age to start simple street and parking lot safety habits, like always holding hands near cars. Swim lessons are worth starting now if you haven’t already, since drowning remains one of the leading causes of injury for this age group.