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Health professionals talk about a child’s age in terms of months, for example the 13th month or the 16th month. The way to make sense of this is to begin counting from the beginning of the previous month. For example, the 13th month begins when a child is 12 months old and ends when she is 13 months old. Or the 16th month begins when a child is 15 months old and ends when she is 16 months old.

 

The 34th-36th months

By three years old, your toddler:

… should be able to:

  • identify four pictures by naming
  • wash and dry hands (just more than three years of age)
  • identify a friend by name
  • throw a ball overhand
  • speak and be understood half the time
  • carry on a conversation of two or three sentences
  • use prepositions

… will probably be able to:

  • use two adjectives
  • put on a T-shirt
  • broad jump

… may possibly be able to:

  • balance on each foot for two seconds
  • describe the use of two objects

… may even be able to:

  • copy a circle
  • prepare a bowl of cereal
  • dress without help
  • identify four colours 
  • put on an article of clothing
Children grow and develop at different rates. The information above is offered as a guide. There is no need to expect your child's development to fit with all the above descriptions. If you are in any way worried about your child's development, it's best to speak with your doctor or child health nurse. 
 
 
  • Content supplied by What to Expect
  • Last Updated 20-02-2012
  • Last Reviewed 20-02-2012