Your Child’s Third Year

The transition from a tiny infant to an active and curious toddler is nothing short of astonishing! As you approach your child’s third birthday, it’s essential to be aware of the developmental milestones to ensure their growth is on track. We’ve created a guide to critical milestones you can anticipate in your child’s third year. You’ll also discover suggestions to promote their growth through daily activities.

Every child is one-of-a-kind, and that means some may reach milestones quicker than others. Remember, it’s all about making progress. If you have concerns about your child’s development, always consult with a pediatrician or our pediatric therapists at More to Say, LLC. We’re here to help!

Your Child by 30 Months

Two and a half years have passed since your child’s arrival, and the growth is evident. By this age, most children will reach major milestones.

By 30 months, your child’s physical coordination and movement are rapidly improving. At this age, they might:

  • Take off clothing like jackets or shoes independently.
  • Turn book pages while reading.
  • Hold a cup with one hand without spilling.
  • Climb stairs easily.
  • Construct tall block towers (at least eight blocks high).

Around the 30-month mark, your child starts to express themselves more clearly and engages in more intricate conversations. Keep listening as they:

  • Converse consistently using sentences with nouns and verbs like “I jumped” or “The bird is flying”.
  • Ask and answer who, what, and where questions like “Where is teddy?”.
  • Pronounce words clearly enough for most to understand.
  • Know and state their name.
  • Identify objects based on their functions by pointing (e.g., “Which one do we eat?”).

By 30 months, your child begins to show advanced problem-solving skills and a growing understanding of the world around them. You might notice they:

  • Use objects strategically, like a chair to reach heights.
  • Enjoy imaginative play with toys.
  • Recognize and sort toys by color.
  • Understand two-step instructions, though may not always obey.

Approaching two and a half years, children begin to exhibit a deeper sense of self and a stronger desire for social interactions. Keep an eye out as your child can:

  • Play comfortably around peers.
  • Seek attention with statements like “Look at me!”.
  • Show interest in or begin potty training.

Around 30 months, children start to demonstrate more independence and coordination during mealtimes. They may start to:

  • Use a fork during meals.
  • Self-feed with foods like yogurt and noodles.

Your Child by 36 Months

As your child nears their third birthday, their capabilities expand. From improved motor skills to skillful eating, they’re reaching critical milestones day after day.

As your child approaches 36 months, their motor skills are significantly improving. With their growing physical coordination, they can possibly:

  • Cut paper using child-safe scissors.
  • String beads or macaroni noodles.
  • Dress partly independently.
  • Ride a tricycle.
  • Brush teeth with help.
  • Walk on a line or balance on a curb.
  • Walk backward without tripping.
  • Hold crayons, markers, or pencils skillfully.

Your child’s vocabulary and communication style will evolve as they near 36 months. Their inquisitiveness shines through as they may:

  • Ask questions out of curiosity.
  • Narrate stories from picture books.
  • Engage in fluid conversations.
  • Talk about experiences they had in the past.

Closer to 36 months, expect your child to display advanced cognitive abilities. Their understanding of the world sharpens, enabling them to:

  • Follow intricate instructions.
  • Understand time concepts.
  • Match identical images in games.
  • Solve simple puzzles.
  • Identify basic shapes and colors.
  • Enjoy make-believe play.

By 36 months, your child will develop richer emotional and social interactions. Their emotional and social skills develop further as they:

  • Understand basic game rules.
  • Greet individuals with a wave or hello.
  • Play with peers.
  • Express emotions clearly.
  • Offer comfort to distressed individuals.

As they approach their third birthday, their feeding capabilities will mature considerably. With improved motor skills, they’re expected to:

  • Use cutlery skillfully.
  • Chew with mouth closed.
  • Drink from open cups without spilling.

How to Help Your Three-Year-Old Reach Their Milestones

As your little one enters their third year, their curiosity and eagerness to explore the world around them intensifies. This phase is rich with opportunities for learning and growth, and your active involvement plays a pivotal role. Here’s how you can harness this energy and ensure they’re on track with their developmental milestones:

  • Answer their questions in age-appropriate ways. If unsure, embark on a discovery journey together, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
  • Encourage active play through energetic activities, like visiting playgrounds or outdoor adventures, enhance their motor skills and physical development.
  • Engage in counting games or sing number-related nursery rhymes, laying a foundation for math skills.
  • Teach them simple songs, reinforcing memory and linguistic skills.
  • Let them assist with simple chores, instilling responsibility and boosting their self-esteem.
  • Recognize the power of play in their cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Engage, converse, and delve into their interests, creating lasting memories.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, reach out to the pediatric therapists at More to Say, LLC. We’re here to help each child reach their milestones, setting them up for a successful, happy life!

Schedule Your Child's Appointment Today

Are you worried about your child’s development? Fill out the form below or call us at (203) 828-6790 to schedule an evaluation at our Branford, CT, or Oxford, CT, clinic today!

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    Oxford, CT 06478

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