Three Year Old Behavior: Definitions and Generalities

They are mobile and expressive: Toddlers can move around faster than you can blink. They know what they want and they’re used to taking or asking. If you say “no” they’re great at screaming until you give in.They understand emotion (their feelings), but not adult logic.

They want to do stuff by themselves: Three year olds can tell you what they want to have, or what they want to do, they want to be allowed to have it (or do it). They want to push the boundaries and try new things. Yet too many parents don’t realize this is how the child learns and gains confidence. If you keep your child boxed into a strict set of rules you risk squashing their inner confidence and willingness to take chances.

They have short fuses: Most three year olds behave as if everything is the end of their little world. And it annoys the heck out of parents! We just want them to understand that not everything is a big deal, but we get screaming fits and tantrums instead. The parent’s view of the world is in complete misalignment with the child’s view.

Easily distracted: This is not the same as a short attention span. Kids can often focus intently on something that fascinates them. Ever put a cartoon on Netflix and see your child zone right out? You can call it focussed attention or even trance. But when it comes to something a child wants … it’s often easy to distract your child from the situation and avoid a fight. This si really handy for those moments when you hear, “Mommy I want that toy!”