Developmental Milestone For A Three Year Old Child

We have learned some of the general developmental milestones for 2 years old child in my previous post, today we will look into the milestones of a three year old child. While rearing a child at any age is no snap, things should get easier during the third year. Most 3-year-old can be reasoned with. They will take turns and may even share toys. A child in this age group will help the parents get him or her dressed. Most are toilet trained during the day, although it is common for an occasional "accident" while busy playing. In previous generations, moms and dads learned what to expect of their child from their mother, grandmother or another family member. Today, most families are so scattered that parents do not have this help available. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have about your child's growth and development during the three year checkup. This is the reason for regular well-child exams.

Parenting and Behavioural

• The 3-year-old will ask more questions than a district attorney. Nothing is sacred and some questions will throw you for a loop!
• Continue reading books to your child.
• Arrange times for safe running and exploring outdoors.
• Playmates are important. Allow your child to experience interaction with peers. Three-year-olds are usually quite social and enjoy being with other 3-year-olds. This can be accomplished in a preschool, play group or just having another child over for a few hours.
• It is normal for children this age to have imaginary friends. Parents can sometimes use the youngster's imaginary "playmate" to their advantage (like getting your 3-year-old to do something you want them to do.)
• Limit television viewing. Do not use the TV as a baby sitter or as a substitute for interaction with your child. Watch children's programs with your child when possible.
• Do not worry if the child becomes curious about body parts. This is normal at this age. Always use the correct terms for genitals.
• Children this age begin to recognize gender differences and will correctly say "I am a girl" or "I am a boy."
• Discipline should be firm and consistent, but loving and understanding. Praise your child for his or her good behavior and accomplishments.
• Three-year-olds like to do things for themselves.
• The 3-year-old does not understand "tongue-in-cheek" comments and can not always tell when a parent is joking. For example, never threaten to leave a child at the store when he or she misbehaves.
• Your child may continue to use a security object (such as a blanket, favorite stuffed toy, etc.). This is normal and the youngster will give up the item when he or she is ready.
• Keep family outings short and simple. Children have a short attention span at this age and lengthy activities will cause them to become irritable and tired.
• The question of preschool usually comes up now. Daycare has already been established for a family when both parents work outside the home. Even for moms who stay at home with their child, preschool a few mornings a week can be helpful. It gives mom a welcome break and provides the child an opportunity to meet new friends.The success or failure of preschool will depend upon the child's maturity and the quality of the preschool. For example, if your child seems anxious and dependent away from home, perhaps he or she is not ready for preschool.
• If you are expecting another baby, discuss with your child's physician how to prepare your 3-year-old.

Discipline

• Encourage your 3-year-old to make choices whenever possible, but the choices should be limited to those you can live with ("red shirt or green shirt.") Never ask a toddler an open question ("Do you want to take a bath") unless you are willing to accept the answer.
• Use the two "I's" of discipline (ignore or isolate) rather than the two "S's" (shouting or spanking). When disciplining, try to separate the child and his or her behavior ("I love you, but I do not like it when you touch the VCR.")
• Provide alternatives. "No, you cannot play with the telephone, but you can play with these blocks."
• Avoid power struggles. No one wins! The 3-year-old still uses temper tantrums as a weapon. Respond to this behavior with the two I's of discipline - ignore or isolate (time out!).
• Discipline should be consistent. Do not make threats that you can not carry out. If you say you are going to do something, do it!

Development

• Can name pictures in a book
• Names at least one color.
• Knows his or her own name, age and sex.
• Begins to use pronouns.
• Able to put on his or her own shirt, but will need help with shoes and buttons.
• May be able to ride a tricycle.
• Can jump in place and stand briefly on one foot.
• Can (unfortunately!) open doors.
• More than 50 percent of the child's speech is intelligible. There may be temporary episodes of stuttering during this time.
• Understands such words as "cold," "tired," "hungry." Comprehends the meaning of "on or under", and "bigger or smaller."

Oral Health

• Supervise brushing twice a day with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
• Take your 3-year-old to the dentist, if you have not already done so.
• Limit juice and sweets.
• Continue giving a fluoride supplement if your drinking water is not fluoridated. Some dentists recommend fluoride be continued through age 8; others recommend continuing through age 12 or 16. Check with your pediatrician and dentist.
• Stop pacifier use

Feeding

• Appetite is perhaps a shade better than it was a few months ago, but it is still not what most parents (or grandparents) think it should be. "My child will not eat," is a familiar complaint heard at the three year checkup. Remember, feeding problems may arise if parents make their child eat more than the child needs to, or shows too much concern in what the youngster eats.
• The 3-year-old should pretty much be able to feed himself or herself.
• During meal time, the 3-year-old is sometimes very demanding of parent's attention and may also dawdle!
• Avoid nuts, hard candy, uncut grapes, hot dogs or raw vegetables. Control sweets and avoid junk food.
• Eat dinner together as a family whenever possible.
• Begin to teach proper table manners and encourage conversation during family meals.
• Turn the TV off during meals.
• Make sure your child's caregiver is following your feeding instructions.
• Sleeping
• An afternoon nap is usually still needed by the 3-year-old.
• Fears of the dark, thunder, lightning, etc. are quite common at this age.
• Maintain a consistent bedtime and bedtime routine. Using a night light, security blanket or toy are all ways to help lessen nighttime fears.
• Read to your child when possible before "lights out."
• Nightmares can wake a child up from sleep. The nightmares can be triggered by changes or stress. Reassure your child and put him or her back to bed.

Toilet Training

• Many 3-year-olds are trained during the day but still do not stay dry at night. Others are completely trained. Remember, the age a child uses the bathroom by himself or herself varies and it is based only on a child's readiness to be trained and the positive attitude of the parents.
• Avoid putting too many demands on the child or shaming him about wearing diapers. Instead, let your child no how proud and happy you are about any potty successes.
• Some children may postpone having a bowel movement as a way to manipulate their parents or because they are busy doing something else. Try not to make an issue of this

Illness

• Your 3-year-old may continue to experience respiratory infections, such as colds, ear infections and sinus infections. These frequent ailments often become frustrating for parents. Unfortunately, most illnesses are unavoidable, especially if your child is in preschool or has older siblings who bring the colds home from school.
• When your child is ill, the pediatrician will determine whether antibiotics are needed. Remember, most illnesses at this age are viral, which means antibiotics will not shorten the course of the illness

Immunization

Since immunization schedules vary from doctor to doctor, and new vaccines may have been introduced,it is always best to seek the advice of your child's health care provider concerning your child's vaccine schedule.

• Normally, no immunizations are given at this checkup unless your child is behind in the immunization schedule.
• Hepatitis A (HepA) may be administered at this visit for children living in selected states.
• Annual flu vaccines may be recommended for children with chronic illnesses like asthma and heart defects. Check with your doctor.
• Some physicians at 3years do a hemoglobin or hematocrit determination to check for anemia ("low blood"). This requires a small poke on the finger to obtain a drop of blood. A urinalysis will also be done if the child is toilet trained to check for kidney and bladder problems.
• By this age, most children have received the following immunizations:
  

• 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
• 4 doses of DTaP vaccine
• 4 doses of HIB vaccine
• 1 dose of the MMR vaccine
• 1 dose of the Chickenpox vaccine
• 4 doses of the Pneumococcal vaccine
• 3 doses of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine
• 3 doses of the rotavirus vaccine

MERRY CHISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!

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General Developmental Milestones For Toddlers

My daughter, Alisha is now 2 years old. She can speak few clear words in a sentence and is also picking up words quite faster lately from her favorite cartoon movies. Though she was a bit slow in her language development but now she is catching up.

Observing the developmental milestones of our children is an amazing feeling of fulfillment for a mother. You just imagine when you first hold your child in your arms those delicate and small body can now walk and eat by themselves and speak for themselves. Such a great accomplishment! However, children develop at their own pace, so it's impossible to tell exactly when yours will learn a given skill. Below are the developmental milestones that will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect as your child gets older, but don't be alarmed if your child takes a slightly different course.

For Years Old

Social and Emotional

* Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and older children
* More aware of herself as separate from others
* More excited about company of other children

Emotional

* Begins to show defiant behavior
* Separation anxiety increases toward midyear then fades

Cognitive


* Finds objects even when hidden under two or three covers
* Begins to sort by shapes and colors
* Begins make-believe play

Language

* Points to object or picture when it's named for him
* Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
* Says several single words (by 15 to 18 months)
* Uses simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months)
* Uses 2- to 4-word sentences
* Follows simple instructions
* Repeats words overheard in conversation

Movement

* Walks alone
* Pulls toys behind her while walking
* Carries large toy or several toys while walking
* Begins to run
* Stands on tiptoe
* Kicks a ball
* Climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted
* Walks up and down stairs holding on to support

Hand and Finger Skills

* Scribbles on his or her own
* Turns over container to pour out contents
* Builds tower of four blocks or more
* Might use one hand more often than the other

For 3 years old onwards next posting...

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The Value Of Playing With Your Child

by Teresa, The CuteKid™ Staff

Playtime is valuable time. Children learn through play. During play children often imitate valuable adult behaviors, stretch their imagination and reinforce creativity, and feel like they have accomplished something. When you play with your child you add to these benefits by making your child feel important and valued.

As you play with your child let your child decide what to play. They usually choose an activity that they are interested in. When a child decides what to play it will keep their attention longer.

It also increases the child's feelings of self-worth. Because they feel that their parent likes and is interested in the things that they do. You might get bored with the same activity but your child learns through repetition. If you are tired of it add a new dimension to the activity. Turn the tea party into cooking an entire meal. Instead of just pushing around cars build a garage and pretend to fix them. As your child gets older their interests will change as well. They might want to go outside and kick around a ball or play a game. They might want to help you cook in the kitchen or scrapbook together. Whatever your child's interests just make sure that your child chooses the activity not you.

While you are playing focus on your child, don't let your mind wander to work, the laundry, or the dishes in the sink. Your child will realize that they don't have your complete attention and feel that they are not important enough to keep your attention. Use your imagination and get involved. Play the part that you are given.

Playtime is a time for parents to relax and unwind. It distresses their life and helps them focus on what is truly important, their child. Play helps parents better understand their children's desires, abilities, and developmental stage. During play a parent's nature is often revealed and they see how their child views them. While playing with my daughter one day I watched her tell her doll, "No," and put her in the corner. Then a minute later say, "I still love you."

When your child is a little older you will find that a great time to talk is when you are involved in an activity. I love the commercial featuring a father talking to his son about drugs while playing basketball. Because you are involved in an activity that the child enjoys the conversation is low-key. Your child is more likely to listen to you and you are more likely to really listen to your child.

Schedule some time to play with your child everyday. If you don't plan playtime into your day it is easy to let the day slip away without ever really playing with your child. Consider playtime an investment in your child's future. It is during playtime that you build a bond with your child. Express to them their importance to you. And as your child grows they will continue to want to spend time with you.

Improve Your Child's Weekly Spelling Test Score- FREE Trial

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5 Ways To Raise Unspoiled Children

As a parent we often hear the phrase "I want this or I want that." For many parents being able to buy their children things that they want makes them feel successful. They want their children to be happy and to like them. Yet fulfilling your child's every desire ultimately does them no favors. They grow up believing that the world owes them and that they should get what they want when they want it, hence the growing amount of consumer debt in our nation. So, being a good parent what can you do to raise unspoiled children?

1. Teach your children the difference between wants and needs. Every child needs a pair of shoes, but they don't need a pair of popular $100 sneakers. There is no reason that your child needs a new toy every time you go to the store. Especially when they probably have a closet full that they don't play with at home. Shop with a list and if your children ask for something that is not on the list tell them, "Sorry, it's not on the list." Or your can tell them that if they want things they can ask for it for their birthday or Christmas.

2. Donate items that are not needed or played with. Teaching your children that there are people less fortunate than themselves will help them realize how lucky they are. Every year go through your child's clothes and toys and donate items that aren't used anymore. My friend says that her children often pick nicer newer toys to give to those less fortunate and she lets them because it teaches them to give.

3. Realize that your child will compare themselves to others. It is human nature to compare ourselves to others. We will always come short of some and ahead of others. Your child may want a certain toy or item or clothing because their friend has it. If the item can be justified then buy it. If not explain to your child why the purchase just isn't in the budget. Encourage your child to dream high. You may only be able to provide so much but he can work hard and achieve his dreams himself.

4. Teach your child to save and budget. Many young adults today do not know how to save or budget their money. They have never had to deny themselves of something and now that they don't have their parent's money supply they are hurting. Teaching your child to save and budget while young is a valuable skill. Growing up, we were required to save 50% of everything we earned. This trait continued to adulthood. Give your child a clothing budget every fall and then let them do the shopping themselves. Allow a monthly allowance for activities. Once it is spent don't give your child anymore. Your child will quickly realize how expensive things are and that they will need to shop around and budget their money to make it last.

5. Let your child earn rewards. In real life you don't receive something for nothing. Even to win the lottery you have to buy a ticket. So instead of just giving your child things let them earn it. My friend's sister who is in junior high really wanted a pair of Girbaud pants, the popular brand at the time. But they cost considerably more than other brands and her parent's couldn't justify the cost. So they reached an agreement if her sister earned certain grades she would get the pants.

Do you have a cute kid? Show off your kid to the world through our online photo contest.

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Improve Your Child's Weekly Spelling Test Scores

Are you having problems with your child or children coping up with their nightly spelling practice? Are you a busy parent and have less time to do this for them? Well, getting a child to practice his spelling words can be a struggle. When done manually it's a slow and tedious process for him as well as for you.

However, worry not because there is always a solution to your problem. With the SpellQuizzer, spelling practice would be fun and easy! SpellQuizzer is a spelling software that you can automate the tedious process, taking up less time for you and for the student. You'll no longer have to struggle to get your child to sit still while you go over his spelling words with him. With SpellQuizzer, students can enjoy practicing their spelling words. SpellQuizzer takes the fight out of the equation.

How does the software works?

Using SpellQuizzer you can enter the child's weekly spelling list and make audio recordings of the words in the list. The software then quizzes the child, playing each word back to him one at a time, checking his spelling as he types in the words. SpellQuizzer corrects him when he types in a word incorrectly, and re-quizzes him on any words he missed once the first pass is completed. Just set up the child's list on Monday, and have him spend no more than five to ten minutes a day letting SpellQuizzer quiz him. By the end of the week he will be ready for his Friday spelling test at school. SpellQuizzer is also ideal for spelling bee preparation.

SpellQuizzer is ideal for:

• Practicing the words in your homeschool curriculum. Just input the words used in your spelling curriculum you are using and SpellQuizzer will help reinforce your child's lessons.
  
• Preparing for spelling bees. You can create practice lists from the preparation materials provided by a spelling bee your child is entering. Also, we will be adding free, downloadable spelling lists for SpellQuizzer, complete with sound recordings, specifically for the purposes of spelling bee preparation soon. Watch our Downloadable Spelling Lists page for new lists soon.
  
• Practicing the problem words that your child repeatedly misspells. Everyone has their own problem words that they have difficulty getting right. With SpellQuizzer you can create one or more custom lists of the words that your child struggles with. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect". SpellQuizzer makes practice easy.
  
• Learning words that can not be sounded out phonetically. Dr. Edword William Dolch, PHD identified 315 "sight words" which can not be sounded out phonetically and therefore must be learned on sight. We have all 315 Dolch Sight Words (220 "service words" and 95 nouns) available in free download lists, organized by grade level, for SpellQuizzer at our Dolch Sight Words page. Just download the lists, import them into SpellQuizzer and you're all set. The lists come with pre-made sound recordings just for SpellQuizzer.

Click here to see a video demonstration showing how easy it is to create a spelling list and practice spelling with SpellQuizzer.

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10 Ways To Build Your Child's Confidence

A confident child is sure of his/her abilities, recognizing and accepting both his/her strengths and weaknesses. We all want our children to be confident. But for many children confidence does not come naturally. Confidence must be nurtured even for the child who seems confident all ready. Below are 10 ways to help build your child's confidence:

1. Say you are proud. Tell your child when they have accomplished something and you are proud of them. Tell others about your child's accomplishments and positive qualities. Let your child overhear you praising them to others. I often tell others, in front of my daughter, how well she is in doing things in her own little ways. Tell others what a great reader your child is and how well he does at math. Your child would think he is the best at math in his first grade class. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't. The point is that your child thinks he is good and that gives him the confidence he needs to keep trying and learn new things.
   
2. Give responsibility. Giving your child jobs to do around the house helps them feel valuable. It also teaches them adult skills. Assign your child chores that they must accomplish everyday. As they complete their chores they will acquire a feeling of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. Have your child help you with the dishes. Even my 1.7 year-old daughter puts her toys in the basket, throws dirty things in the garbage, mops the mess she created, hands you something other people ask to give you. Ask your child to help you puts the plate in the sink after she is finished eating, help you fold laundry, make his bed and keep his room clean. Ask them to you you clean up toys. Children also love to help dad wash the cars.
   
3. Don't label. One of the worst things a parent can do is to label their child. Yet it is so easy to do. As parents we need to be careful that we give our child positive labels that reflect inner personality traits. Sometimes parents focus on the physical traits of a child. Either saying that they are beautiful or a certain trait is ugly, like having big feet or a nose that is too large. Focusing on our child's physical characteristics whether good or bad teaches them that looks are what matter.
   
4. Encourage talents. Write down all of the things that your child is good at. Then choose one thing that your child wants to pursue. It could be as simple as taking your child to the library each week because they like to and are good at reading. Or you could enroll your child in sports, child dance class, drama, art, or music class. The goal is to provide a positive experience for your child and allow them to excel at something.
   
5. Listen. Let your child know they are important by really listening to them. Get down on eye level and give them your complete attention. If your child feels that you are not listening they will stop talking. They will feel that their opinions and feelings are not valued. And if a child feels that their own parent won't listen to them then they will believe that no one else will want to listen either.
   
6. Establish routines. When you have set routines and a home that is predictable your child will feel more secure. Your child will be less likely to be afraid to venture out into the world when they know they can come home to a secure and loving environment. Having established routines helps your child understand what is expected of them and reach those expectations thus increasing their confidence.
   
7. Address your child by name. Calling your child by name shows that you value them and that you feel that they are important enough to address by name. Using your child's name gives them a label that they can wear proudly. When my husband and i ask my daughter who is Alisha she will always raise her hands. She knew who she is. Children who are confident will address others by their name more frequently. They are unafraid to address others by name and will be better able to ask for help.
   
8. Play with your child. Parents playing with children helps build their self-confidence because it shows them their parents enjoy being with them. Children learn through play and one of the many things they can learn is confidence. Play is a great time to role-play and praise your child. Playing with your child and allowing them to dictate the play gives them a feeling of importance and accomplishment. My girl loves to play building castle, pretending to make baby doll sleep, playing guitar and etc .
   
9. Set rules and consequences. Children need to have set rules and consequences. This helps them feel valued and secure. A child who is required to follow rules will realize that their parents love them enough to set and enforce rules. Interestingly enough one study found that few teenagers wished their parents had established fewer rules, but many teenagers wished there parents had given more rules.
   
10. Be a positive mirror. How your child perceives herself is based largely upon how you perceive your child. Do you reflect negative or positive images? Does you child know that her opinions matter to you? Does he think that you enjoy being with him? Providing positive reflections of your child helps him feel good about himself. It is also important to help your child realize that you value them because of who they are not just how they perform.

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