Growing Together Through Challenges

If your child just turned three, welcome to one of the most magical (and yes, messy!) stages of parenting. At three, children are bursting with personality, independence, and curiosity—but also testing boundaries and exploring their big emotions in new ways.

This is the age where your little one is learning to:

• Assert themselves and say, “I do it myself!”
  
• Build early friendships and social skills
  
• Develop emotional awareness and independence
  

While it’s normal to feel challenged, this stage is full of growth opportunities for both children and parents. Let’s explore some common struggles and gentle, realistic ways to support your three-year-old’s development.

1. Big Feelings in a Small Body

Three-year-olds often feel emotions before they have words to express them. This can lead to tantrums, tears, or outbursts that seem sudden.

✨ What to Try:

• Label emotions: “You’re feeling frustrated because your block tower fell.”
  
• Offer comfort and calm without trying to “fix” every emotion.
  

💡 Why It Matters:
Helping children name feelings builds emotional vocabulary and sets the stage for self-regulation.

2. The Power Struggle Dance

Your child’s desire for independence is a great thing! But it can lead to epic battles over clothes, snacks, or bedtime routines.

✨ What to Try:

• Offer choices you’re comfortable with: “Would you like the red socks or the blue socks?”
  
• Let them try and “fail” safely—it’s okay if they put their shirt on backward.
  

💡 Why It Matters:
Giving your child a sense of control encourages confidence and cooperation.

3. Testing Boundaries (Again and Again)

At this age, testing limits isn’t “bad behavior”—it’s how children learn what’s safe, appropriate, and consistent.

✨ What to Try:

• Stay calm and consistent: repeat rules gently without overexplaining.
  
• Praise positive behavior as much as you correct missteps.
  

💡 Why It Matters:
Consistency provides a sense of safety, even when your child pushes back.

4. Early Social Skills in Action

Playdates and preschool bring new opportunities to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts—skills that take years to master.

✨ What to Try:

• Narrate situations: “I see you want the truck. Let’s ask your friend for a turn.”
  
• Model empathy: “She’s sad because she wanted to play too.”
  

💡 Why It Matters:
Practicing empathy now lays the groundwork for kindness and cooperation.

5. Potty Training Pressure

Not every three-year-old is potty trained, and that’s okay! Pressure or punishment can backfire.

✨ What to Try:

• Celebrate successes, keep calm about accidents.
  
• Let your child set the pace while offering encouragement.
  

💡 Why It Matters:
Confidence and security build long-term success far better than pressure.

6. Supporting Parents Through the “Threes”

Parenting a three-year-old can feel like living with a pint-sized negotiator who has no filter—and endless energy. This is hard work.

✨ What to Try:

• Take breaks and care for yourself.
  
• Connect with teachers, caregivers, and other parents for support.
  
• Remember this is a season of growth—for you both.
  

💡 Why It Matters:
Calm, supported parents create a steady foundation for confident kids.

The Bottom Line: Three Is Magic in the Making

Your three-year-old is blossoming into a curious, independent little person with their own ideas and voice. The boundary-pushing, the emotions, the endless “why” questions—all of it is a sign of healthy growth.

With empathy, patience, and consistent support, this stage can be one of the most rewarding and transformative seasons of parenting. You’re not just managing behaviors—you’re raising a capable, confident, and resilient child. And we’re here to walk this journey with you, every step of the way.

-Kiley Russell, Executive Director