3 years

Just because your child is not performing everything at the selected times does not mean there is something wrong. Some children take a little bit longer to be able to do things on their own. Your child requires stimulation and opportunity to learn and develop. For guidance on age appropriate activities please look at play and ideas.

Child developmental stages

2 ½ years

• I like to climb the stairs I still need help.
• I can kick a big ball.
• I like to push and pull my toys around the house.
• I like climbing on the frames in the park.
• I can draw circles and some lines.
• I know my full name.
• I like to watch what other children are doing.
• I like to talk to you.

If you are concerned about how your child is doing any of the above activities please ask your health visitor for advice and guidance.

Areas for concern at 2 ½ years

The guide below indicates when you should seek further advice if your child is not making progress towards their age specific targets. Please seek further advice from your health visitor or GP.

If your child –

• Is mainly using single words rather than putting two words together.
• Not interested in what other children are doing.
• Attention span is still very short most of the time.

3 years

• I can run
• I don’t fall as much.
• I love to climb and explore!
• I can walk up and down the stairs with help
• I like to throw, catch and kick a ball.
• I can pedal a trike
• I like jumping in muddy puddles.
• I understand big, little, in, on, under.
• I like to play with other children
• I can put 3 to 4 words   together; I like to ask questions,
• I love to sit and listen to stories
• I can sing my favourite nursery rhymes
• I like to scribble on paper and try to draw pictures.
• I can do easy jigsaws
• I can build a tower with blocks
• I can thread beads onto a thick string.

If you are concerned about how your child is doing any of the above activities please ask your health visitor for advice and guidance.

Areas for concern at 3 years of age

The guide below indicates when you should seek further advice if your child is not making progress towards their age specific targets. Please seek further advice from your health visitor or GP.

If your child –

• Does not seem to understand what you have said
• Only uses two-word combinations
• Has a very limited vocabulary
• Shows no interest in stories
• Does not show interest in playing with other children
• Speech is not understood by unfamiliar people
• He/she stumbles
• Repeats words or the beginning of words, or gets stuck on words (stammer)
• Has a hoarse voice which has lasted a while.
• Cannot pick up small objects with thumb and first finger
• Cannot walk upstairs holding a rail.
• Does not climb onto the small climbing frames & slide in the park.
• Not keen to jump off a step