PHYSICAL HEALTH
I use my arms and legs in many ways.
Let me run around and jump over things.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL
I am pround of what I can do.
Talk about the things I am learning to do and encourage me.
I WANT TO LEARN
I'm curious and want to learn.
Answer my questions when we do things together.
THINGS I KNOW
I use what I already know to learn new things.
Tell me when something I’m learning to do is like something I can already do.
LANGUAGE
I am always learning new words.
Read to me every day. Ask me questions and answer mine.
Using the Bathroom is an Important Skill
Your child will be proud when he or she uses the toilet and may want to share the good news. Encourage your child and let him or her know you are proud. Remember though that some children aren't fully toilet-trained until they are school age. This is normal but can be challenging for parents. Children who stay dry during the day may still wet at nap-time or at night. Stressful situations, such as a new child care provider or a move may cause a toilet-trained child to begin wetting the bed again. Encourage your child to use the bathroom before going to sleep. Once he or she regularly wakes up dry, try switching from a diaper or pull-ups to underwear at night. If your child wets the bed, let him or her know that it's okay. Try not to get angry. Help your child change into dry clothes right away. Find helpful resources about toilet-training and bedwetting by visiting: healthychildren.org
Make Time for Active Play
Experts recommend that children this age spend at least one hour every day running, jumping, and climbing in a safe area. This kind of activity helps your child's body become strong and well-coordinated. Active play during the day also helps children sleep well at night.
You can play active games together indoors or outside.
- Dig with plastic shovels, pails, and cups
- Read together and act out the stories in books
- Play “dress-up” and “make-believe” with scarves, shoes, and other clothing
- Dance, play hide-and-seek, or take a walk
- Create an obstacle course that you can climb over, under, and through
For more activity ideas visit the Lets Move website.
Set Limits on "Screen Time"
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children over age two have no more than one to two hours of screen time per day. If your child spends too much time playing with computers, tablets, smart phones, video games, and TV, your child is not doing other things that help him or her learn and be healthy, such as reading and playing outside. When your child does watch TV or play games, educational, non-violent ad-free choices are the best. Ask other caregivers to limit screen time and to only choose programs and games made for kids your child's age.
Children Need Plenty of Sleep
At age 3, children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep at night and may need a nap or quiet time after lunch. Help your child get to bed at the same time each night. Start a regular bedtime routine if you don't already have one. This could be taking a bath, brushing her teeth, reading a short book, then cuddling before turning out the light. Talk with your health care provider if your child often has trouble getting to sleep.
Your Three-Year-Old's Emotions
There may be a lot of changes in your child's life right now—a new child care or preschool, potty training, maybe even getting a new bed. This can be stressful and may lead to tantrums. Help your child name his or her emotions. This may help your child feel more in control and help him or her to calm down more quickly.