Fast Facts:

At least one hour of active play per day
Free play is important – play outside whenever possible
Limit screen time – no screens in child’s room
May be ready to try a tricycle or balance bike
Children at this age can engage in cooperative play – allow your child to play in small groups with children his/her age
Stimulate your child’s imagination – let them be creative during playtime
Help your child explore their environment – 3 year olds are curious, so turn learning into a game

Resources:

Playing Inside During the Winter

Active Play Everyday – Tips for Parents and Caregivers – A Handout

Fast Facts:

Meals include all 5 food groups, have regular meal times
Offer a variety of textures, flavors, and colors
Serve vegetables first when your child is most hungry
Avoid drinks with added sugar
Offer milk at mealtime
Water first for thirst between meals
Remember to offer your child healthy choices but allow them to choose what and how much they eat
Trust your child’s appetite – limit snacking between meals
Comfort and reward your child with hugs and words – do not use food as a comfort, reward or bribe
Pack healthy snacks when on the go, like cut up vegetables and fruit

Videos:

How to Handle an Already Established Picky Eater – Dina Rose, PhDWays to Positively Impact a Child’s Diet – Dina Rose, PhD

Resources:

Trust Your Child’s Appetite – They Know How Much To Eat

Fast Facts:

At least one hour of active play per day
Free play is important – play outside whenever possible
Limit screen time – no screens in child’s room
May be ready to try a tricycle or balance bike
Children at this age can engage in cooperative play – allow your child to play in small groups with children his/her age
Stimulate your child’s imagination – let them be creative during playtime
Help your child explore their environment – 3 year olds are curious, so turn learning into a game

Resources:

Playing Inside During the Winter

Active Play Everyday – Tips for Parents and Caregivers – A Handout

Fast Facts:

Enjoy conversations with your child as they learn new words and sentences
Enjoy helping with meals and household chores
Watch your child’s strength and balance improve
Watch as they learn to print, draw, color and paint
Allow child to help make meals
Eat family meals at the table, share what you are eating
Focus on conversation at mealtime
Make mealtime fun – a messy mealtime is to be expected
Comfort and reward your child with hugs and words
Do not use food as a comfort, reward or bribe
Read to your child daily
Sleeps 11-13 hours daily

Videos:

How to Handle an Already Established Picky Eater – Dina Rose, PhDWays to Positively Impact a Child’s Diet – Dina Rose, PhD
Common Myths Among Parents – Dina Rose, PhD