The third year is a fascinating one in the growth of a child. I have never met a three-year-old I didn't just adore. The three-year-old can do things. He can run, jump, ride a trike and go up and down stairs proficiently. He loves to run errands, and his best reward is a smile from his parents. He pays attention to adults and watches their facial expression for approval or disapproval. He is motivated by stories, games and songs to get a message across. He is very curious and loves to talk and learn.http://www.trcb.com/en-Us60Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:09:17 ESTCopyright 2012 Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, TRCB.com All Right Reservedhttp://www.trcb.com/kids-and-teens/pre-school/three-year-olds---needs-and-expectations-1848.htm<p>The third year is a fascinating one in the growth of a child and is personally my very favorite. I have never met a three-year-old I didn't just adore. The three-year-old can do things. He can run, jump, ride a trike and go up and down stairs proficiently. He loves to run errands, and his best reward is a smile from his parents. He pays attention to adults and watches their facial expression for approval or disapproval. He is motivated by stories, games and songs to get a message across. He is very curious and loves to talk and learn.</p><p><strong><br />Social Development</strong></p><ul><li>Begins to enjoy other children, but may start hitting and pushing</li><li>They may have an imaginary playmate and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy.</li><li>They like to say "Me too" and "Mine."</li><li>Asks lots of questions</li><li>They are adept at reading facial expressions</li></ul><p><br /><strong>Physical Development</strong></p><ul><li>They like to eat and can feed themselves</li><li>May have more colds and communicable diseases</li><li>They have good use of their hands and fingers. They can pick up small objects.</li><li>They are starting to draw pictures.</li></ul><p><br /><strong>Mental Development</strong></p><ul><li>May be able to count to ten</li><li>Love to listen to stories</li><li>Use language to get what they want.</li></ul><p><br /><strong>Task Expectations</strong></p><ul><li>Pick up toys</li><li>Dress himself</li><li>Clear his plate from the table</li><li>Clean the TV screen</li><li>Dust with a feather duster</li><li>Deliver items from one room to another</li><li>Drop extra change into the charity jars at the grocery store</li><li>Put clothing away (Cut out pictures of clothing and paste on 3 x 5 cards. Tape the cards to the corresponding drawers.)</li></ul><p>It is exciting to learn about the ages and stages of your child. If they don't do everything on the list, don't be concerned, but do be aware. This is just a guideline of what a great many children can do at that age and stage of their life.</p><p>Have fun with them. It is a great time of rapid development in their lives. Enjoy it.</p>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:43:31 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/kids-and-teens/pre-school/three-year-olds---needs-and-expectations-1848.htmTRCB.comKids and Teens / Pre-School