Play for Three-Year-Olds

It is often said that when parenting young children, the days are long but the years fly by. Moms and Dads may find themselves physically and emotionally worn out after some of their days with a two-year-old and the demands of his emerging independence. And then, before they know it, things may get easier. He’ll be three, and if he’s like many children his age, he’ll be more cooperative and eager to please, though still insecure at times and moody.

His cognitive development shows through most everything he does and his expanding vocabulary helps him talk about it all. His curiosity is aroused by almost anything that crosses his path. Encourage parents to see the world through their three-year-old’s excited eyes and remind them to savor this generally peaceful time with their child.

Three-year-olds are discovering fantasy play and many of them cannot get enough of it.

And with his growing facility in language and other forms of expression, you’ll see lots of new play behaviors. Some favorite play activities for three-year-olds include:[1]

Playing with other children so they can learn to listen, take turns and share
Physical coordination activities; for example, games that require hopping on both feet or running or climbing
Play that encourages their growing language abilities through books, games, songs, science, math and art activities
Fun ways to build self-reliance skills; for example, learning to dress and undress themselves
Counting and measuring games
Active participation with adults in reading-aloud activities
Exploring the alphabet and print
Attempting to write messages

[1] Resources consulted include: (1) By the Ages: Behavior & Development of Children Pre-Birth through Eight by K. Eileen Allen and Lynn R. Marotz. Published by Delmar, a division of Thompson Learning, Albany, New York: 2000; (2) The American Academy of Pediatrics: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child Birth to Age 5: The Complete and Authoritative Guide, by S.P. Shelov and R. E. Hannemann. Published by Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishers, New York: 1994.

Provided By Susan J. Oliver, Tropomedia
This information is provided on behalf of the toy experts at your neighborhood toy store.