3 Year Old Development: Milestones, Behaviour and What to Expect

Every child grows and develops in their own unique way - there’s no single path or perfect timeline. The early years are a time of incredible change and it’s completely normal for children to move through different stages at their own pace. You might notice your child showing skills or behaviours that overlap across several age groups or developing certain abilities earlier or later than expected - that’s all part of their individual journey.

It’s also worth remembering that there can be a big difference between a child who has just turned three and one who is nearly four. Development doesn’t happen in a straight line; it’s full of leaps, pauses and moments of sudden growth.

Children thrive when they feel loved, understood, important and safe - something I have talked about a great deal here. When these foundations are in place, their brains are ready and eager to learn.

In this post, we’ll explore what life looks like with a three-year-old - from communication and emotions, to play and physical growth. This isn’t a checklist, but a way to understand and celebrate how your child is growing right now.

What Is Normal Behaviour for a 3-Year-Old?

Life with a three-year-old is full of imagination, chatter and bursts of independence. They’re learning that they’re their own person - with big ideas, strong opinions and an ever-expanding vocabulary.

Typical behaviours may include:

• Constant movement - they find it hard to sit still for long

• Wanting to be ‘the boss’ and make their own choices

• Playing alongside or with other children (cooperative play emerging)

• Becoming more aware of sharing - but not necessarily happy about it

• Getting excited about future events, though still no real sense of time

• Beginning to express feelings with words (“I’m sad” “I’m cross”)

• Taking pride in doing things independently, like dressing or feeding themselves

• Possibly potty trained (though timing varies widely)

• Showing curiosity about how things work - and sometimes testing boundaries

Remember: there’s a big difference between a child who’s just turned three and one who’s nearly four - both are perfectly normal.

Communication and Language Development at 3 Years Old

Language skills take a big leap forward around this age. Your child is starting to tell stories, ask questions and use words to describe what they see and feel.

You might notice your 3-year-old:

• Using around 300 words, including descriptive language and early time words such as 'now' or 'later'.

• Speaking in short sentences of up to five words.

• Using pronouns, though not always correctly, such as 'me', 'she', 'him' and prepositions 'in' 'on' 'under').

• Following two-step instructions (For example “Can you get a cloth and wash dolly’s face?”)

• Understanding action words in stories or pictures (“Who’s jumping?”)

• Moving attention from one task to another when you use their name (“Jason, please stop now - we’re tidying up”)

Tip: Encourage conversation during daily routines - describe what you’re doing, ask simple questions, and pause to let them think and answer.

⚠️ Keep in mind: If your child’s speech is hard for unfamiliar adults to understand or they’re using very few words, it’s worth checking hearing and language development with a health professional.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Three-year-olds are learning what it means to be part of a group and how to manage their feelings - with lots of adult support.

You may notice your child:

• Beginning to share or take turns with encouragement

• Using “yours” and “mine” correctly (and passionately!).

• Settling for short periods to focused activities

• Enjoying friendships and beginning to show empathy, though still very self-centred at times

• Learning that feelings can be expressed with words, not just actions

💡 Tip: Name their emotions (“You’re feeling cross because the game ended”) to help them learn self-awareness and emotional vocabulary.

Physical Development

Three-year-olds are developing coordination, balance and confidence through movement and play.

You might see your child:

• Climbing confidently - playgrounds are irresistible!

• Catching a large ball with growing accuracy

• Pedalling a tricycle or scooter

• Turning door handles and manipulating small objects

• Enjoying messy, sensory, and creative play that builds fine motor skills

Tip: Give plenty of opportunities for active play - jumping, climbing, running, dancing - to build strength and coordination.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Three-year-olds are full of imagination, energy and emotion.

• Independence and control are emerging themes - they love to make choices.

• Communication is blossoming - talk, listen and model rich language.

• Play remains the best way to learn and connect.

• Remember: every child develops differently, and that’s okay.

2 Year Old Development: Milestones, Behaviour and What to Expect

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Hi, I’m Emma, Early Childhood Expert and founder of Everyday. My goal is simple: help parents understand their children better, so connection deepens, guidance becomes clearer and every stage feels a little brighter. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the extraordinary - it’s about the everyday.