Your little one's senses were fully developed long ago, but how they process sensory information is still changing. Importantly, they're losing the ability to recognize phonemes (the building blocks of spoken words) from languages other than those spoken regularly at home. Letting them hear another spoken language regularly might slow this process.

What you can do: If bilingualism is a goal, now is a critical window. Play music, podcasts, or audiobooks in the second language. Even passive exposure matters at this age.

Your three-year-old loves to move and understands that moving around is good for them. They connect exercise with growing stronger and bigger, and love to jump and dance — they can even roll sideways. You might have a hard time keeping them still!

What you can do: Celebrate movement. A three-year-old who loves to run, jump, and climb is developing exactly as they should.

The finer points of athletic ability are beginning to emerge. Your child shows increased coordination in kicking, throwing, and catching. They can even bounce a ball! And this year you'll be able to teach them to hold a crayon or marker in their fingers rather than their fist, allowing for much more dexterity in drawing and writing.

What you can do: Model the correct pencil grip. Use pencil grip aids if needed. Offer small crayons that naturally encourage finger grip.

No more falling down — at least, not nearly as often! Your little one has developed great balance and coordination. Now is the time for a tricycle or even a balance bike. This year they'll learn to pump their legs on a swing. They can stand on one foot, but not steadily.

What you can do: Get a tricycle or balance bike. Practice swinging. Hop on one foot together — this balance milestone develops throughout the year.

Your little one is a knowledge-absorbing machine — curious about almost everything, and now clear enough in language to ask more focused questions. They like observing similarities and differences between themselves and others. This year they'll learn enough language to start being descriptive in their observations.

What you can do: Go on curiosity walks — what can you notice? What's the same? What's different? The observational habit is one of the most valuable things you can cultivate at this age.

Creativity is in big this year. Your little one might play with words — taking parts of them and replacing others to make funny nonsense words. They create intricate scenes with toys and other small objects, acting them out. They use dramatic play often to help them identify with the lives of others.

What you can do: Build elaborate play scenarios together. Be a character in their story. Let them be the director.

Your three-year-old's mind is becoming sophisticated enough for you to help them think through problems. They're much more systematic in their approach to challenges — if one thing doesn't work, they'll try something else. You may hear them talking themselves through the steps of a complex task.

What you can do: When they're stuck, ask "What do you think you should try?" Then wait. The pause teaches problem-solving more than any answer you could give.

Your child's vocabulary will most likely triple this year. They might learn as many as six new words a day, so talk to them and show them things as often as possible. This year your little one might pick up on the connection between the letters on a page and the words you say when reading. And they might even be able to count to 10!

What you can do: Label your world. Write words on post-it notes and stick them on objects. "This is 'door.'" "This is 'fridge.'" Print carries meaning — this is when that connection first sparks.

Your little one is transitioning from attachment to their primary caregiver, through seeing themselves as a distinct individual, to now being comfortable being part of a group. This year they'll take part in group activities like sing-alongs and group games. They may start forming stronger bonds with other kids — their first real friendships!

What you can do: Organize regular playdates. Enrol in a preschool program or organized group activity. The social development of three-year-olds happens primarily through peer contact.

Your three-year-old is developing a longer attention span. This year they'll be able to follow directions to complete a task with several steps. They can even group several unrelated tasks into a routine. If not already, this year they'll start initiating conversations when they have something to share.

What you can do: Give multi-step instructions: "Put your shoes on, get your jacket, and then come to the door." Watch them manage the sequence — then celebrate when they do.

This year your child will start to express themselves more clearly and definitively. They'll have specific preferences and make them known. It's a great time for their sense of individuality to grow. They may continue to sort themselves from others through dress-up and pretending to be someone else.

What you can do: Take their preferences seriously. "I see you really like the blue cup. Let's use that one." Respect for preference builds self-confidence and identity.

Emotional security at this stage comes from consistent routines, trusted relationships, and the confidence that comes from growing competence. Giving your child real responsibilities, honouring their feelings, and maintaining predictable daily rhythms all contribute to their sense of safety and happiness.