Skip to the content
Peabody ParentsTalk, play, read and grow, from day one

Your child at 3 years

The CDC's 3-year checklist includes conversations with at least two back-and-forth turns, asking “who”, “what”, “where” or “why” questions, saying their first name and using a fork.

The CDC's milestone checklist for 3 years lists 12 things most children (75% or more) do by 3 years, such as “Says first name, when asked” and “Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges”. Many do them sooner. If your child isn't doing one or more of them, or has lost a skill, the CDC says don't wait: talk with your child's doctor.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What most children do by 3 years

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off
  • Notices other children and joins them to play

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
  • Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
  • Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing”
  • Says first name, when asked
  • Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Draws a circle, when you show him how
  • Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
  • Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
  • Uses a fork

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 3 years, word for word (CDC page dated May 15, 2026; checked October 29, 2026). These are things most children (75% or more) can do by 3 years. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

  1. Big bead necklace

    String large wooden beads or pasta tubes onto a shoelace to make a necklace.

    Safety: Watch closely, and put the pieces away afterward.

  2. What's happening?

    In a picture book, point and ask "What's happening here?" Let your child tell you: running, eating, sleeping.

  3. Join the game

    Go to a park or library time where other children play, and let your child join in at their own pace.

Things to say

  • “Tell me about your drawing.”
  • “What happened next?”
  • “What do you think?”

Say it, then wait. Give your child time to answer with a look, a sound or a word, and answer back.

A book to share

A picture book with a problem to solve. Stop before the end and ask "What do you think will happen?" Then read on and see.

Your library has board books and picture books to borrow, and most run free story times.

Questions parents ask about this age

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your child isn't doing one or more of the things on the CDC's 3-year list above, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is age 3 or older, call any local public elementary school (even if your child does not go to school there) and say: "I have concerns about my child's development and I would like to have my child evaluated through the school system for preschool special education services."

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

What the CDC suggests you share with the doctor

  • What are some things you and your child do together?
  • What are some things your child likes to do?
  • Is there anything your child does or does not do that concerns you?
  • Has your child lost any skills he/she once had?
  • Does your child have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

From the CDC's Milestones by 3 years page. The CDC suggests filling in a milestone checklist and sharing it with your child's doctor; its Milestone Tracker app is free.

Peabody Parents

Your child at 3 years

What most children do by 3 years

  • Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off
  • Notices other children and joins them to play
  • Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
  • Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
  • Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing”
  • Says first name, when asked
  • Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time
  • Draws a circle, when you show him how
  • Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her
  • Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
  • Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
  • Uses a fork

Play today

  • Big bead necklace
  • What's happening?
  • Join the game

Say

  • “Tell me about your drawing.”
  • “What happened next?”
  • “What do you think?”

Read or sing

A picture book with a problem to solve

Worried?

Talk to your pediatrician. Don't wait.

Milestones in the CDC's words, from “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” (most children, 75% or more, do these by that age). parent.peabody.kids/age/3-years

Sources