| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | These developmental milestones are skills and physiological growth markers that normal 3-year-olds have attained. |
| Alternative Names | Normal childhood growth milestones - 3 years; Growth milestones for children - 3 years; Childhood growth milestones - 3 years |
| Information | These milestones are typicial of children in the third year of life. Always keep in mind that some variation is normal. If you have questions about your child's development, contact your health care provider.
Physical and motor: Gains about 5 pounds Grows about 3 inches taller Has improved balance Has improved vision May have daytime control over bowel and bladder functions and may have
nighttime control as well Can briefly balance on one foot May walk up the stairs with alternating feet Can construct a block tower of more than 6 cubes Can easily place small objects in a small opening
Sensory and cognitive: Has a vocabulary of many hundreds of words Composes sentences of 3 to 4 words Frequently asks questions Can dress self, only requiring assistance with laces, buttons, and other
fasteners in awkward places Has longer attention span Feeds self without difficulty Acts out social encounters through play activities Has some decrease in separation anxiety for short periods of time At age 3, nearly all speech should be understandable Recommendations for parents regarding appropriate play at this age: Provide a safe play environment and constant supervision Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity Instruct the child how to participate in and learn the rules of sporting activities Encourage play with other children to help develop socialization
skills Encourage creative play Read together Limit both the time and the content of television viewing Expose your child to different stimuli by visiting local areas of interest Encourage your child to learn by answering questions and providing activities related to the child's particular interests |
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