Written by Julia Cook and

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Movement/Physical Development
☐ Climbs well
☐ Runs easily
☐ Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike)
☐ Walks up and down stairs, one foot on each step
P
arenting Tips
How you can help your 3-year-old learn and grow: 
• Take your child to play groups or other places where there are other children, such as 
a playground or park, so your child can learn to play with and get along with others.
• Talk to your child about his emotions. For example, say, “I can tell you feel mad 
because you threw the puzzle piece.” Encourage your child to identify feelings in books.
• Set rules and limits for your child, and stick to them. Praise your child for 
following the rules. If your child breaks a rule, give her a time-out for 30 seconds to 
1 minute in a chair or in her room. 
• Read to your child every day. Ask your child to point to things in the pictures and 
repeat words aft er you.
• Give your child an “activity box” with paper, crayons, and coloring books. 
Color and draw lines and shapes with your child. 
more →

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Talk to your child’s doctor if your child:
• Falls down a lot or has trouble going up or down stairs
• Drools or has very unclear speech
• Can’t work simple toys (such as pegboards, simple puzzles, turning a handle)
• Doesn’t speak in sentences
• Doesn’t understand simple instructions
• Doesn’t play pretend or make-believe
• Doesn’t want to play with other children or with toys
• Doesn’t make eye contact
• Loses skills he or she once had
If you’re concerned or have questions about your 
child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor. Don’t wait. 
Visit www.cdc.gov/AmazingMe for more information.

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T
he AMAZING authors and illustrator!