Milestones to Look for in 3-Year-Olds: Physical, Cognitive, and Social

milestones-for-3-year-olds

By Siyona Varghese

Milestones are essential to monitor to ensure that a child is developing at a healthy pace. In this article, we will explore the milestones to look for in 3-year-olds, including physical, cognitive and social milestones.

Physical Milestones:

At the age of 3, children are becoming more confident in their physical abilities. They are able to jump with both feet off the ground, climb stairs with alternating feet and pedal a tricycle. They can also throw and catch a ball with some accuracy.

Fine motor skills are also improving at this age. Children can draw circles, use scissors to cut straight lines and copy simple shapes such as a square or triangles. They can also manipulate small objects with their fingers, such as beads or buttons.

It is important to encourage physical activity in children at this age. Activities such as playing outside, going for walks and dancing can help improve their coordination and gross motor skills.

Cognitive Milestones:

At the age of 3, children are also developing their cognitive skills. They are able to understand the concept of time and can follow a daily routine. They are also able to understand and use basic prepositions such as in, on and under.

Their memory is also improving and they can remember simple stories and songs. They are able to count to 10 and can recognize some letters and numbers. They can also sort objects based on their color, shape or size.

It is important to provide children with stimulating activities that encourage their cognitive development. Reading books, playing memory games and doing simple puzzles can help improve their memory and problem-solving skills.

Social Milestones:

At the age of 3, children are becoming more social and are beginning to understand the concept of sharing and taking turns. They enjoy playing with other children and can engage in imaginative play. They are also able to express their emotions and may use words such as happy, sad or angry to describe how they feel.

It is important to encourage social interaction in children at this age. Play dates, group activities and joining a playgroup can help improve their social skills and build their confidence.

Conclusion:

As parents, it is important to monitor your child’s development and ensure that she is reaching the appropriate milestones. Physical, cognitive, and social milestones are all essential to track and can help identify any potential developmental delays.

Encouraging physical activity, providing stimulating activities, and promoting social interaction are all important factors in supporting a child’s development. By focusing on these milestones, we can help our children reach their full potential and ensure they are on track for success.

References:

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

How to Foster Language Development in 3-Year-Olds

foster-language-development-in-3-year-olds

By Siyona Varghese

 

Three-year-olds are at a critical stage in their language development and fostering this development requires intentional effort on the part of parents, caregivers, and educators. In this article, we will explore some strategies for fostering language development in 3-year-olds.

Read, read, read: 

Reading is one of the most effective ways to foster language development in young children. When you read to your child, you expose them to new words and concepts, as well as different sentence structures and grammar patterns. This helps to build their vocabulary and develop their understanding of language. Additionally, reading to your child helps to create a positive association with language and learning.

Engage in conversation:

Engaging in conversation with your child is another important way to foster language development. This means talking to your child, but also listening to her and responding to what she say. This helps to build their confidence and encourages her to express themselves. It also helps her to learn how to take turns in conversation, which is an important social skill.

Use descriptive language :

When you are talking to your child, try to use descriptive language as much as possible. This means using words that describe what you are talking about in detail. For example, instead of saying “That’s a dog”, you could say “That’s a big, fluffy dog with brown fur”. This helps to build their vocabulary and helps them to understand the nuances of language.

Play with language:

Playing with language can be a fun way to help your child develop her language skills. This can include things like singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes or making up silly rhymes and stories. These activities help your child develop her phonological awareness which is the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds of language.

Use open-ended questions :

When you are talking to your child, try to use open-ended questions as much as possible. This means asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. For example, instead of asking “Did you have a good day?” you could ask “What was your favorite thing that you did today?” This helps to encourage your child to think and express herself in more detail.

Encourage storytelling:

Encourage your child to tell stories about her experiences or things she has learned. This helps to build her narrative skills which are important for reading and writing later on. You can also ask your child to retell stories that you have read together, which helps to build her comprehension skills.

Use Repetition:

Repetition is an important tool for language development. When you repeat words and phrases, it helps to reinforce their meaning and helps your child to remember them. This can be especially helpful when your child is learning new words or concepts.

In conclusion, fostering language development in 3-year-olds requires intentional effort on the part of parents, caregivers and educators. Reading, engaging in conversation, using descriptive language, playing with language, using open-ended questions, encouraging storytelling and using repetition are all effective strategies for helping your child to develop their language skills. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help your child to become a confident and effective communicator setting them up for success both academically and in life.

References:

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

Healthy Meal Planning for Busy Parents: Tips and Tricks

healthy-eating

As a busy parent, finding the time to plan and prepare healthy meals can be a real challenge. With a million and one things on your to-do list, it’s easy to resort to fast food or takeout when it comes to mealtime. However, making healthy meals a priority for your family is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Here are some tips and tricks for healthy meal planning for busy Indian parents:

Plan ahead:

The first step in healthy meal planning is to plan ahead. Set aside some time each week to plan out your meals for the week ahead. This will not only save you time in the long run but will also help you make healthier food choices.

When planning your meals, consider what ingredients you already have in your pantry and fridge. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary items and reduce food waste. You can also consider preparing some meals in advance and freezing them for later in the week.

Make a grocery list:

Once you have your meals planned out for the week, make a grocery list of all the ingredients you’ll need. This will help you stay focused when you’re at the grocery store and avoid impulse purchases.

When making your grocery list, try to include a variety of healthy foods from each food group. This can include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Get your family involved:

Getting your family involved in meal planning and preparation can make it more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone. Ask your kids for input on what meals they would like to have during the week and encourage them to help with meal prep.

You can also consider making mealtime a family affair by sitting down together at the table and enjoying your meal as a family. This not only encourages healthy eating habits but also creates a sense of togetherness and bonding.

Use time-saving kitchen tools:

Investing in time-saving kitchen tools can make meal prep a breeze, especially when you’re short on time. A few examples of time-saving kitchen tools include a slow cooker, pressure cooker and food processor.

A slow cooker is great for making hearty soups, stews and casseroles that can cook all day while you’re at work. A pressure cooker can cook meals in a fraction of the time it would take in a regular pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And a food processor can save you time chopping and slicing vegetables for recipes.

Cook in batches:

Batch cooking involves making large quantities of a particular meal or ingredient and then freezing it for later use. This can be a real time-saver during the week when you’re short on time and need a quick meal.

Some examples of foods that are great for batch cooking include soups, stews, chili and rice. You can also batch cook ingredients like cooked chicken or roasted vegetables to use in meals throughout the week.

Whenever you are freezing meals, ensure that it is done properly to preserve nutrients and always make sure the food is not spoiled and is fresh while consuming it.

Keep healthy snacks on hand:

When you’re short on time, it’s easy to grab a bag of chips or a candy bar for a quick snack. However, keeping healthy snacks on hand can help you avoid unhealthy choices and keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

Some healthy snack options include fresh fruit, vegetables and hummus, nuts and seeds and yogurt. You can also prepare healthy snacks in advance and store them in the fridge or pantry for easy access.

Embrace leftovers:

Leftovers can be a real lifesaver when you’re short on time. Instead of throwing away leftovers, try to incorporate them into future meals. For example, leftover chicken can be used in a salad or leftover rice can be used in a stir-fry.

You can also consider making double batches of meals and freezing the leftovers for later use. This can save you time and money in the long run.

In conclusion, meal planning is an essential aspect of healthy eating and is particularly important for busy parents. With a little effort and creativity, Indian parents can make nutritious and delicious meals that are quick and easy to prepare. By following these tips and tricks, parents can ensure that their families are getting the nutrients they need to thrive and stay healthy. Planning ahead, stocking up on healthy staples and involving children in meal preparation can all make a significant difference.

References

 

By vitalmadevadmin in Health and Special Needs 0 Comment

The Importance of Play in the Development of 3-Year-Olds

importance-of-play-for-kids

Play is an essential part of a 3-year-old child’s development. It is through play that children can develop important cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills that will serve as a foundation for their future growth and learning. In this article, I will highlight the importance of play in the development of 3-year-olds.

Cognitive Development

At the age of 3, children are actively exploring and experimenting with their environment. They are curious about everything and eager to learn new things. Play provides them with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities that promote cognitive development. For example, playing with puzzles and blocks helps children develop problem-solving skills and spatial awareness. Pretend play, such as playing house, helps children develop language skills and learn about social roles and responsibilities. Board games and memory games help children develop their memory and concentration skills.

Social Development

Play is also important for social development. It is through play that children learn how to interact with others, negotiate, share and take turns. Playing with other children also helps them develop empathy and learn how to regulate their emotions. Social play is essential for 3-year-olds as it helps them understand the concept of friendship, build relationships and learn how to work together with others. It is also through play that children learn to express themselves, communicate their thoughts and feelings and develop self-confidence.

Emotional Development

At the age of 3, children are learning how to regulate their emotions. They may have outbursts of anger or frustration and they are still learning how to express their feelings in appropriate ways. Play provides children with a safe and nurturing environment where they can express their emotions and learn to manage them. For example, pretend play allows children to act out different scenarios and explore different emotions in a safe and controlled environment. Playing with dolls or stuffed animals also helps children develop empathy and learn to care for others.

Physical Development

Play is also essential for physical development. It provides children with opportunities to develop their gross motor and fine motor skills. For example, playing outdoors helps children develop their gross motor skills as they run, jump, climb and explore their surroundings. Playing with playdough or drawing helps children develop their fine motor skills as they manipulate small objects and develop their hand-eye coordination. Physical play also helps children develop their overall health and well-being.

Tips for Encouraging Play in 3-Year-Olds

As parents and caregivers, there are many ways we can encourage play in 3-year-olds. Here are a few tips:

  1. Provide a Safe and Nurturing Environment: Children need a safe and nurturing environment where they can play freely without fear of getting hurt. Ensure that the play area is free of hazards, and provide appropriate supervision when needed.
  2. Offer a Variety of Toys and Materials: Children need a variety of toys and materials to stimulate their imagination and creativity. Provide toys that are age-appropriate, such as puzzles, blocks, playdough, dolls and stuffed animals.
  3. Encourage Pretend Play: Pretend play is an essential part of a 3-year-old’s development. Encourage your child to engage in pretend play by providing costumes, props and a space to act out different scenarios.
  4. Play with Your Child: Playing with your child is an excellent way to bond with her and encourage her development. Get down on the floor and engage in play activities with her.
  5. Limit Screen Time: Screen time can be detrimental to a child’s development. Limit the amount of time your child spends in front of screens and encourage her to engage in physical and social activities. It is possible to withhold TV altogether and limit phone time to 15 minutes a day for children of 2-4 years. You can ensure screen time is limited to 30 to 60 minutes per day for children above 4, also making sure they are not in front of TV or media for more than 30 minutes at a time.

In conclusion, play is a vital component in the development of 3-year-olds. Through play, children can acquire essential skills such as communication, problem-solving and socialization, among others. It is a way for them to explore the world around them and make sense of it. Parents, caregivers and educators should prioritize playtime and provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to play. By doing so, we can help children develop holistically, laying the foundation for success in their future endeavors. In fact, play, work and learning are interchangeable at this age.  Wouldn’t it be great if children perceive learning and work as a joy and continue that feeling into their adulthood?

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

What should be the average height and weight of a 3 year old?

Toddlers come in a variety of sizes and forms, but you may want to determine whether your child is growing and eating in a healthy way.

Some children would be shorter and some heavier compared to their age group children. But they may still be healthier. As long as they are healthy and eating healthy, there is generally nothing to worry. Genetics also play a role. But here’s an article that provides detailed information about the height and weight percentiles of children.

Here’s the full article: https://iapindia.org/iap-growth-charts/

use a different article and not the above. You can also find indian growth charts. you can reference iapIndia.org and cdc/who.

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

How to engage a 3-year-old?

You can play a variety of games and activities with your kid to have fun while helping them learn vital skills like speaking and listening as well as hand-eye coordination. The author mentions a multitude of suggested activities for your child to engage in

Some of them are:

  • Singing, rhyming and dancing to the music
  • Encouraging your child to paint and draw
  • Engaging in hands-on games such as clay moulding, threading beads and so on to develop fine motor skills
  • Spending time learning new things

You can read the full article here: https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/kids-activities/learning-activities-for-toddlers/

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

How much sleep should my 3-year-old be getting?

3 to 5-year-olds need 10 to 13 hours of sleep per night. Some kids might also take an hour-long or a longer nap during the day.

Preschoolers can take a bit of time to settle down and fall asleep. This is a result of them continuing to think about their day even after going to bed.

In the article, the author mentions positive bedtime routines, dealing with nightmares & night terrors, bed-wetting and much more.

Here is the full article: https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/sleep/understanding-sleep/preschooler-sleep#:~:text=Children%20aged%203%2D5%20years,settle%20and%20get%20to%20sleep.

By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline 0 Comment

What can my 3 year old child do?

Your child’s play, learning, speech, behaviour, and movement provide crucial hints about their development. In the article, the author describes the milestones and activities that are expected of a 3 year old child. The author also lists a few easy tips and activities that can help your child learn and develop.

Among them are:

  1. Encouraging your child to solve her own difficulties with your help. Ask her questions to improve your understanding of the issue. Help her come up with solutions, test one, and repeat if necessary.
  2. Discussing your child’s feelings with him and offer him vocabulary to use in expressing himself. Teach your child to take deep breaths, embrace a beloved toy, or go to a quiet, safe location when he  is unhappy to help him handle anxious feelings.
  3. Establishing a few straightforward guidelines that your child can follow, such as using gentle hands when playing. If he disobeys a rule, demonstrate an alternative to him. If your child later complies with the rule, acknowledge and praise him.

You can read the full article here: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-3yr.html

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

What to do if my child is dissatisfied most times?

what-to-do-if-my-child-is-not-satisfied

By Jetson Satya Gospel

If you are dealing with an unhappy child, there is hope. Here are some tips that will guide a young child from being dissatisfied to “Cheerful”.

Teaching a child to be joyful and cheerful, takes practice. This is how you, as a parent, may attempt to find joy with your child or children, especially if they are hard to satisfy.

Emphasize to your kids, that:

  • Feeling every type of emotion is alright.
  • Let your kid know that it’s alright to be dissatisfied for the right reasons.
  • Remind your child that they can be in control of how they feel.
  • Have an open arm to embrace your child always!
  • Laugh out from your heart to generate endorphins (happy hormone).  Teach them to laugh heartily.
  • Initiate positive choices intentionally.
  • Be appreciative.
  • Play “joyful” music.
  • Show your child to reminisce happy moments no matter how big or small.
  • Discuss when your kid calms down.

However, do not pressure them to be happy or satisfied. Be subtle in your approach.

The best thing I personally learned is when I saw my friend take his dissatisfied kid to an orphanage. But you must also be careful to remember that an orphanage or an elders’ home is not a tourist spot to hand out. You ought to directly connect with the hearts of residents there. The troubles shouldn’t be too hard on your child’s emotional state too. With that cautious note, I share how kids can realize personally how blessed they are to have wonderful parents, great clothing, good school to study and lovely friends, and to have all their luxurious needs met time after time. Following the visit to the orphanage, the child’s attitude changed for the better, and she felt utterly content. The visit also developed empathy in her towards the kids at the orphanage.

Happy parenting dear parents!

References

  1. https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/discipline/some-kids-really-are-more-difficult-heres-why-it-happens-and-how-to-deal/
  2. https://coffeeandcarpool.com/help-an-unhappy-child-be-happy/
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline 0 Comment

How to Parent a possessive kid?

how-to-deal-with-possessive-kid

By Dr. Jetson Satya Gospel

Isn’t that sweet when you know that your child is possessive of you? But remember too much honey is going to hurt you. Likewise, we will discuss here ways to handle a possessive kid!

Let me share a few quotes as you ponder this journey of parenting a possessive child.

“If our love is only a will to possess, it is not love.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh,  (Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life)

“You want to be free. You also want to be mine. You can’t be both.”
― Nenia Campbell, (Crowned by Fire)

“There are only two mortal sins in the world; one of these is to be cruel and the other is to possess, and they are both destructive of happiness.”
― John Cowper Powys, (A Glastonbury Romance)

Now as you read the quotes I have stated above, it poses a question whether possessiveness is a negative emotion. Yes, it is when it crosses limits. Your three year old may cling to you a lot due to separation anxiety or challenges she faces as normal part of growing. That is natural and I wouldn’t call it possessive. But if you find that your child is too possessive, you may do something about it. So how might you stop the possessive examples in your relationship with your kid? The initial step is to comprehend the reason why your kid opts to participate in a controlling way of behaving, and the subsequent step is to manage the basic sentiments that drive your child toward  abnormal behavior.

The majority of us have some amounts of vulnerability surrounding our comfortable ties. A possessive child is similar. Here are some suggestions for dealing with your possessive child.

  1. Improve your child’s identity by telling them that they are admirable and fine by themselves, alone. Insist that they be reliable and competent. Oppose participating in envious, definitive or punishing ways of behaving
  2. Work towards improving confidence and self-dependence in your child. Don’t withdraw from her. Give her the company and guidance she needs but allow her to do activities independently or with other people.
  3. Acknowledge that these sentiments are from the past experiences
  4. Track down ways of quieting your nervousness
  5. Remove your relationship uneasiness with your kid if any
  6. Put new people and resources into your child’s life
  7. Converse with your child from a grown-up point of view

A few suggestions for parenting a possessive child are provided above. I trust that it would help you walk through a tough terrain and enter green pastures.

References

  1. https://www.psychalive.org/relationship-possessiveness/
  2. https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/870836-peace-is-every-step-the-path-of-mindfulness-in-everyday-life
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline 0 Comment