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

Should my 3-year-old be in school?

should-my-3-year-old-be-in-school

By Siyona Varghese

Children between the ages of three and six have a natural curiosity and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Like tiny sponges, their minds are constantly absorbing and storing information. At this critical age, kids can pick up new ideas that will give them a solid foundation for their future developmental years.

By providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop their future, a quality preschool feeds the young brains of its students. Additionally, it cultivates in them a love of studying and gets them ready for their academic journey.

Preschool can benefit parents just as much as it does children. Preschoolers spend roughly 40% or more of their waking hours at home with their parents, which is more time at home compared to any other age group in childhood.

How Can a Preschool Help Your Three-Year-Old?

A wonderful method to get your kid ready for kindergarten is to enroll them in preschool. In addition to giving kids a good start in their education, it also helps them get used to the more academic setting found in kindergarten.

Almost like a practice wheel on a bicycle, preschools are a necessary step that properly balances playtime and learning. Early education ensures greater performance for the student’s present and future. Along with helping them academically, it also helps them develop their personalities and build their self-esteem.

Pre-schooling has the following benefits for your child:

  1. Enhancement of Fine Motor Skills: Your child will be better able to write letters and numbers when she is grows beyond three years old if she starts preschool. The skills and abilities help them in their kindergarten education.
  2. Improved Self-confidence: The development of self-confidence in young children is among the most significant advantages preschool programmes offer. Preschoolers who have the opportunity to socialise with other kids, learn new things and grow more self-assured, which helps them perform better academically and socially throughout their life.
  3. Language acquisition: Any child’s preschool education must include the development of language. Young children are exposed to new words daily in preschool, which aids in vocabulary development. A preschooler’s vocabulary will expand as they learn to form phrases. Young children that participate in preschool programmes also tend to perform better in elementary school.
  4. Preparation for Further Studies: Preparing your three-year-old for kindergarten before they turn into big four-year-olds is one of the most significant advantages. By teaching letters and numbers in preschool, young children are given a head start in developing their communication skills later on. Numerous studies have shown that since preschoolers get early childhood special education with a lifelong learning focus, they typically perform better in elementary school.
  5. Academic Excellence: You want to set your child up for the academic achievement you know they are capable of as a parent. Children who start preschool at age three actually do better once they enter elementary school, according to many parents and educators. You are giving your child a learning foundation they will use throughout their academic career by placing them in preschool.
  6. Social Skills Development: The need for assistance in social skill development in three-year-old toddlers is well known. The first time a child interacts with another child outside of their immediate family is frequently in preschool. Why not acquaint your child with the world in a calming and pleasant setting? Children who attend preschool have stronger emotional intelligence, making it easier for them to handle challenging circumstances and control their negative reactions
  7. Safe, Orderly Environment for Your Child: Preschool gives your three-year-old a safe, secure atmosphere where they’ll feel free to study and develop. For instance, personal safety fundamentals like what to do during a crisis or while encountering strangers are often covered in preschools. Furthermore, the majority of preschool programmes usually encourage good practises like cleaning one’s teeth or washing one’s hands after playing outdoors.
  8. Resuming your Work and Aspirations: It’s not just your toddler who gains from attending preschool. You undoubtedly find yourself thinking about your life before children or doubting whether you will ever have another moment to yourself to pursue your interests or profession. You may spend more time doing the other activities you enjoy by placing your kid in a preschool programme. Imagine going back to work without being concerned about your kids. Write the novel you’ve always wanted to write, finish your degree, or just sit back and relax with some friends over a cup of coffee.
  9. Fueling your kid’s Curious mind: Your child’s mind is like a sponge at age three, ready to suck up all the information. You should give your kids room to explore their surroundings. They start to question everything at this age. similar to the reasons the sky is blue and the birds go southward for the winter. They want to know why the sun rises in the morning and where it vanishes at the end of the day.
  10. Better Parent-Child connection: Preschool still fosters a bond between you and your three-year-old even when you are not with them all day. Your child will quickly find that preschool is enjoyable, despite any initial reluctance. They start to take that fun back with them as a result. You may interact with your child in fresh and interesting ways thanks to the tales they tell, the activities they do, and the learning they share.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

How to keep your child safe

how-to-keep-your-child-safe

By Siyona Varghese

 

Once your child can stand alone, he or she is prepared to explore the world more than ever before and each day becomes an adventure. Although it is a thrilling and enjoyable era of life, there are hazards and dangers there as well. Every child has the potential to be vulnerable at time, therefore it is only reasonable for parents to think about their child’s safety.

If you’re concerned, use these simple tips to help safeguard your young children:

Safety at Home

Several risks exist for children in an adult-friendly household. However, you can protect your child by identifying the risks and then minimizing or eliminating them.

Supervision: Despite the safety measures, kids can still trip and fall or get hurt otherwise. That is why supervision is essential for safeguarding your child at home.

Prevention of Burns and Scalds: Keep your toddler away from flames and hot surfaces to avoid burns. When your child is around potentially dangerous objects, such as stoves, oven, microwaves, heaters and other appliances, keep a constant check on them. Babies and children frequently experience scalds from hot meals, hot drinks (in your hands or baby’s) and overly hot baths. The recommended bath temperature for kids is between 32°C and 38°C, therefore always test the water temperature before bathing them.

Prevention of Falls: In every age group, falls are the leading cause of wounds and doctor visits. Install safety barriers across the entrances to stairways and balconies as soon as your youngster begins to crawl. Additionally, you must continue to keep an eye on your child when they are on balconies or stairs. Lock windows, especially those on upper floors, protect your child by using window guards that are firmly connected when they first start climbing.

Safety from Furniture: If furniture tips over and lands on top of your child, significant injuries may result. Furniture should not be easily pulled or knocked over by your child, so make sure it is solid. Bookcases and wardrobes can be secured to the wall or to the floor to lessen the chance that they will topple over. TVs should be braced or strapped to the wall. Avoid placing furniture with pointy edges near doorways and other areas where kids might be playing. If you are unable to move the furniture, use foam or edge protectors to cushion its corners.

Prevention of Poisoning: Children between the age of 3-6 are especially susceptible to poisoning since they are naturally curious. Toddlers who are still learning to chew on things are more likely to put something in their mouth, while preschoolers are often interested in the things that are kept in cabinet and drawers. Keep all medications, including vitamins, away from young kids. Never call medication “candy”, as it might send wrong messages to the child. Keep all your cleaning supplies and other potentially harmful items locked up in a cabinet or out of your child’s reach.

Prevention of Choking Hazards: 0-3 yrs age group is especially prone to choking because they put so many items, both edible and inedible in their mouths. Avoid giving them food items such as hard candy, chewing gums, entire grapes, raisins and toffees even up until the age of 6. Be careful with items such as raw carrots and nuts. Break them into smaller pieces that won’t cause a choking hazard. Keep objects like pebbles, safety pins, balloons, coins, buttons away from your child’s reach. When buying toys, especially ones with small parts, follow the recommended age ranges and check to see if they are in good condition. Be cautious as little ones put a lot of items in their mouths. The best way to protect is to be a vigilant adult.

Safety Outdoors

Children adore playing outside. It’s a great place to enjoy yourself and test one’s physical strength. Some special safety measures are needed to keep kids safe outside. Here are some suggestions:

Safety at Play: While playgrounds help toddlers develop physically, they are also the main site of accidents and injuries. Parents should therefore ensure that all playground equipment are suited for appropriate age and height, cushioned for safe landing and free from any design flaws, sharp edges or missing or loose fittings. Use bucket type swings for toddlers and young children.

Safety on Road: You can protect your young children from the risks of cars, driveways and streets by teaching them the fundamentals of pedestrian safety. Hold the toddler’s hand firmly if you’re walking alongside them. Don’t allow them to cross the road or walk alone. Teach your young child the basic traffic: stop, look both sides and then cross. In vehicles, tightly buckle your youngster into a car seat or other proper restraint.

Safety under the Sun: Being exposed to the sun for a certain amount of time can be beneficial for the toddler’s development. If the children must be outside in the sun for an extended period of time, parents can reduce the likelihood of heatstroke and sunburn by requiring children to wear hats and loose, comfortable clothing.

References

  1. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/keeping-children-safe-while-out-and-about
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/parents/children/safety.html
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4292654/
By vitalmadevadmin in Child Safety 0 Comment

How to deal with Attention-seeking behaviour in children?

How-to-deal-with-attention-seeking-behaviour-in-child

By Siyona Varghese

 

The ability to discriminate between needs and wants is just not developed yet in children between the ages of 3 and 6. As a result, they sometimes act as though they’re attempting to push you away. This can indicate that they are more in need of your help than before. You may be able to assist your child more effectively if you recognize the underlying causes of their attention-seeking behaviour.

The Root Cause

Children want your attention naturally since they rely on adults for stability and care. Although you may want kids to behave well always, given their age and developmental stage they would misbehave sometimes. Note that it is normal and it is also normal for a child to seek attention. It should concern you only if a child’s conduct becomes out of control.  A child my seem out of control for a variety of causes including problems in their upbringing or environment. Their conduct might also be impacted by a brain-based difference.
Here are some helpful strategies for dealing with a child that constantly demands attention:

Reinforce Good behaviour: Rewarding them for good behaviour is the most effective approach to encourage good behaviour. Compliment them on most things, big or small, they do well (1). Compliment them in a way that they understand why you are complimenting. Avoid empty appreciation.

Spend time with your kids: Parents sometimes mistakenly believe that they are spending all of their time taking care of their children because they do chores like washing their clothes, cooking their meals, making their beds, sending them off to school etc. However, while these fundamental activities are wonderful, children need you to play with them and give them direct attention. Children also need to be mentally and emotionally stimulated. Make sure you spend a lot of quality time reading, playing and conversing with your children.

Be Compassionate: Empathy must be used while addressing the issue of unwanted conduct with young children. You don’t have to fully comprehend their behaviour to be empathetic. An understanding touch and a friendly smile go a long way.

It can be an absolute challenge to maintain kindness and empathy when the kids act rude. However, remind yourself that they are only kids. Once you are aware of their developmental maturity, you will be able to better comprehend what they can and cannot handle. 

Explain what is an emergency and what is not: Give your children some guidance on how to distinguish between a real emergency that requires your quick response and something they want but isn’t a top priority. Here’s a simple tip: make sure you have a clear plan that enables your children to communicate when something is actually significant. Children will learn to distinguish between a genuine emergency and someone simply needing your attention by developing a catchphrase they may use in an actual emergency (such as, “code red”).

Communicate: It’s possible that they feel “not good enough” in their academic subjects at school, so they “act up” to mask how they truly feel, which is not good enough. Communicate with them about how you can boost their academic performance or give them more self-assurance in the topics they are finding tough. If necessary, find ways to support them. Discover easy ways to build their confidence, such as talking to their teacher or playing some memory games for a few minutes while driving to school(2). Let them also know under-performance is okay sometimes.

Avoid yelling: When children won’t stop crying or you’re exhausted and at your wit’s end, it can be quite tempting to bring your emotional reactions down to their level. When you feel like you could lose control and snap, try to have a strategy in place for getting away from the situation. If they don’t stop acting up for attention, tell them: “I need to take a 5-minute time-out as you won’t stop crying.” Once you feel calm enough to handle the kids, return to your quiet space and practice some deep breathing and relaxation techniques. If you need a break, ensure the child is left in another adult’s care.

Make sure they don’t feel guilty: Many parents experience chronic fatigue and overwork as a result of juggling the demands of their children, and life in general. As a result, it can be tempting to use our challenges such as a demanding job, an unpleasant encounter with a neighbor, or a disagreement with our partner to guilt our children into acting well. 

But our children shouldn’t be exposed to the problems we adults experience. Kids already feel enough stress and worry on their own; it’s unfair to subject them to more stress. Although it’s okay for them to be aware of how worn out you are, you should avoid discussing all the specific details.

Don’t assume: Many parents panic when their children exhibit attention-seeking habits while in fact, the issue is not a serious one. It’s normal for most children to act out at some point during their development. It doesn’t necessarily imply that they have a problem. Expecting this behaviour in children and responding to it with appropriate consequences will help you educate kids how to behave appropriately when they’re sad or want attention (3).

Bottom line: Children often engage in attention-seeking behaviour. Some young kids behave a certain way because they don’t know how to express their demands in a calmer way. There are various ways of supporting the kids, even if you don’t understand their reasons. 

It is crucial to focus on your relationship with your children as it is one of the most essential ways to meet their requirements. Their cornerstone for living a healthy life will be creating a strong and supportive bond.

References

  1. https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-to-do-about-attention-seeking-kids#recap
  2. https://sueatkinsparentingcoach.com/2020/05/what-to-do-if-you-have-an-attention-seeking-child/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4415806/
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline 0 Comment