We are parents of a three year old girl. For the last two months we have been observing that our daughter has started showing certain changes in her personality. It appears she has entered a newfound independence, asserting her autonomy and rejecting assistance. Sometimes when the things don’t go her way, she expresses her frustrations by throwing tantrums and vocal protests. We tried different approaches to get through her and researched on why she is behaving the way she is.
While researching, we came through a word “Threenager”. Initially we thought it was not even a real deal, but when we got deeper into it, we found that we are not the only parents whose child is going through this phase. We saw various blogs on this. In this blog we are just trying to summarize our research and experience.
The term “threenager” captures the unique blend of toddlerhood and early childhood that emerges around the age of three. This is a developmental phase, marked by a whirlwind of behavioral, emotional, and physical changes. Parents are left both awed and perplexed by their child’s growth during this phase. In this blog, we have tried to explore the intricacies of the stage by understanding the reasons behind their behavior and some techniques we are following as parents to support our child through this phase.
Behavioural Changes or Child Development
We found it to be true that threenagers are notorious for their newfound assertiveness and burgeoning independence. As they grasp the concept of autonomy, they may push boundaries and assert their desire for control. This behavior stems from their growing sense of self and a natural curiosity about the world around them. It’s crucial for parents to recognize that this assertiveness is a positive sign of cognitive development, as threenagers begin to understand their own preferences and express their needs more explicitly.
The key to managing threenager behaviour lies in setting clear and consistent boundaries. Child psychologists emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement and redirecting negative behavior rather than punitive measures. By providing choices within acceptable limits, parents can empower threenagers and help them feel a sense of control without resorting to power struggles.
Emotional Development
Threenagers are on an emotional roller-coaster, swinging from jubilant highs to challenging lows. These intense mood swings are a natural part of emotional development as they learn to navigate and express their feelings. It’s essential for us to acknowledge and validate these emotions, teaching threenagers healthy ways to cope.
Child development experts like Dr. John Gottman emphasize the significance of emotional coaching during this phase. By actively listening, empathizing, and helping threenagers articulate their emotions, parents create a supportive environment that fosters emotional intelligence. This skill will serve them well in building relationships and managing their feelings as they grow older.
Physical Development
Physically, threenagers are refining their motor skills and becoming more adept at exploring the world around them. Their newfound abilities often translate into increased physical activity and a desire for hands-on experiences. Parents can facilitate this physical development by providing a safe environment for exploration and engaging in activities that stimulate their growing coordination.
Length of the Threenager Phase
While every child is unique, the threenager phase typically spans from the age of three to around four years old. This period marks a significant transition from toddlerhood to the early stages of childhood. Understanding that this is a temporary phase can help parents approach challenges with patience and a long-term perspective.
How did we to help our daughter: Some Parenting Tips:
While navigating through this stage, it required a combination of empathy, patience, and proactive parenting. Where we applied following strategies to help our child thrive during this period:
- Maintain Consistent Routines: Establishing predictable routines can provide threenagers with a sense of security and stability.
- Encourage Independence: Foster a sense of autonomy by allowing threenagers to make simple choices and participate in age-appropriate decision-making.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to acknowledge and reward good behaviour. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to boost their self-esteem.
- Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their emotions. Encourage open communication, and be a supportive listener.
- Model Behaviour: Threenagers learn by observing. Model the behavior you want to see, and they are likely to follow suit.
Conclusion
The threenager phase is a dynamic and exciting period in a child’s development, filled with discovery and growth. By understanding the reasons behind their behaviour, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster, and actively supporting their physical development, parents can navigate this stage with grace and foster a foundation for their child’s future well-being. Embrace the journey, and remember that with patience and love, you can guide your threenager toward a bright and fulfilling future.
Disclaimer:
This blog is written from a parent’s perspective and offers personal insights. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult experts for personalized advice. Additionally, please note that the blog may include affiliate marketing links, and any purchases made through them help support the blog’s content.