Increasing awareness of emotional states Around their third birthdays, children become more interested in figuring out what motivates the people around them. You may notice your child becoming curious about other people's moods — wondering why the neighbor is angry or why her father is sad. Attempting an explanation ("Mr. Walker is upset because his paper didn't come today") helps your child learn that emotions are normal and it's okay to talk about them.
Celebrate her uniqueness As your child's natural disposition begins to show more, make it clear that her temperament — be it quiet, adventurous, reflective, or communicative — is okay with you. This doesn't mean you shouldn't encourage her to explore different sides of herself, but don't force her to behave in certain ways. A general respect for how she responds to the world will help her feel secure and confident.
Learning to make friends and share As children get older, they take more interest in socializing. Your child is probably beginning to think of her playmates as friends, and she's learning that small kindnesses — like sharing and giving — are part of friendship.
Imaginary friends Many children, especially those without siblings, create imaginary playmates. Most show up between 2½ and 3 years of age. Don't be alarmed by pretend friends. They are a part of your child's developing conscience and value system. They can provide solace and take responsibility for the things your child wishes she hadn't done. Most imaginary friends disappear before a child turns 6.
35-36 mos:
Milestones By his third birthday, your preschooler can probably put on his T-shirt, draw a vertical line, and balance on each foot for a second or more. He might even be able to prepare a bowl of cereal for himself.
Runs and jumps without a thought Many of your child's basic movements have become second nature. He no longer needs to focus energy on walking, standing, running, or jumping. Some actions, like standing on tiptoes or on one foot, might still require concentration and effort.
Focuses for longer periods The amount of time your preschooler is able to focus on one activity has increased dramatically. This, along with his more sophisticated social skills, will allow him to play more structured games with others, like tag or Go Fish.
Bye-bye to napping By now your child probably needs only a short nap in the afternoon, if any at all. Still, you might find that scheduling a quiet, restful time in the afternoon — whether he sleeps or not — can be a calming part of his day. At this age, he has a need for privacy, and time to relax alone during a busy day can help him feel settled and at ease.
Playing doctor Becoming interested in what's inside someone else's pants is a normal part of growing up. Try not to react with shock or horror if you find your child in the midst of an anatomy check with another child. Just let him know that penises and vaginas are kept private. Then steer both children toward another activity. They'll probably be relieved, since they already have some sense that the game they were playing is taboo. 袋鼠背
