Development and Characteristics of a Three and One-Half Year Old Child

Parenting September 14, 2009

Parenting Tips for Your 41-42 Month Old Child

How I Move:

I use my body all the time.

I enjoy tumbling, jumping from heights and twirling in circles until I get dizzy.

I can stack blocks or objects in order, by size or by color.

I can follow a two-step direction.

How I Think:

I know my age, and will show you the number of fingers for my age.

I can repeat three numbers in order.

I can identify a circle, square and triangle.

I understand, “let’s pretend.”

I make long speeches to myself.

How I Get Along:

I am becoming more independent.

I can play by myself for about 20 minutes,

I still need lots of attention, hugging and comfort.

I can understand other people’s feelings. When someone gets hurt, I will give the person a kiss and I might say, “It will be all right.”

I may be rebellious and become very strong-willed.

I ask “how” and “why” questions.

Learn more about Your Child: 41-42 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.

Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.