At 3 to 3.5 years

The most obvious difference at this age is appearance. From this moment, your toddler is officially a little boy or girl because of how he/ she looks and what he/ she can do!  

What your child might do:    

Physically and mentally

• Body proportions change with limbs and torso taking a more grown-up look

• Stands fully erect, walks with arms swinging at sides • Has better control e.g. of finger grip when colouring or painting, of legs and feet when running or hopping • Raises feet high and lands squarely back when jumping Language and emotions

• Recognises letters of the alphabet

• Says “I love you”

• Likes asking family members if they love him/ her

• Physically dramatises emotions e.g. twists body away when crying

• More willing to share toys with other young children • May use longer sentences e.g. “I want that toy” instead of “want toy”

• May read short words e.g. ball, cat, dog Feeding Your child is ready to drink fully from a cup. Continue to watch what your child drinks. Studies show that three to six-year-olds consume much less milk and much more high-sugar fruit juice and soft drinks than the recommended amount. Sleep Many three-year-olds stop taking afternoon naps. However, do still try to incorporate some quiet-time into his/ her day to give your child (and yourself) a chance to recharge.

Ideal toys for this age

• Action figures

• Hand puppets

• Science themed toys

• Fairy-tale themed storybooks

Useful tips

Your child will very likely already have a full set of 20 milk teeth. Teach your child to brush his/ her teeth twice a day or preferably after each meal to ensure optimal oral health.

At 3.5 to 4 years