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Can your 3 year old do these 12 things?

As therapists we are always watching to see if your child is meeting their childhood developmental milestones–it’s one of the many ways we can know if physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy might be needed.

With help from the cdc.gov website, here are some of the major developmental milestones for a 3 year old. These are things most children (75%) can do by the age of 3. Remember, every child develops at a different pace and in their own way, but if you have concerns after reviewing this list–give us a call and we can fully evaluate your child. Early interventions can save years of unnecessary struggles!

Learn More:

🫂Social & Emotional:

Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off

Notices other children and joins them to play

👄Language & Communication:

Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges

Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions

Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” or “eating”

Says first name, when asked

Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time

🧠Learning, Thinking & Problem-Solving:

Draws a circle, when you show him how

Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her

👣Movement & Physical:

Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni

Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket

Uses a fork

Want to learn more? Check out these links:

Important Milestones: Your Child By Two Years

Signs physical therapy is needed

Signs occupational therapy is needed

Signs speech therapy is needed