Questions to Ask a Pediatrician at the Three-Year Visit

Is He Developing Normally?

• By the time he's blown out the candles on his third birthday cake, your little mischief maker should have hit some important developmental milestones. After the pediatrician has had the chance to examine him and has asked you some questions, ask her whether he's on track. Some of his milestones you'll be able to keep an eye on at home; for instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 3-year-old should show concern for crying friends, speak clearly enough for strangers to understand, work toys that have moving parts and run easily. Still, the pediatrician may notice signs of certain delays or detect physical issues that you might not have noticed.

What Can I Do About His Behavior?

• Perhaps your little one throws a tantrum during every grocery store outing, or he refuses to eat anything except dry cereal. Your pediatrician is a valuable resource for handling behavior problems and personality quirks. If bedtime is a struggle or your 3-year-old isn't playing kindly with other kids, ask for advice. This checkup is also the time to raise any concerns about your child's toilet training progress. Ask for help if your 3-year-old hasn't yet begun potty training or if he was once potty trained but has since regressed. If there's anything that seems to routinely bother your child, ask whether it's a cause for concern. Whether his hatred for crowds is caused by a noise sensitivity or anxiety, the doctor can help you figure out the answer.

What Comes Next?

• His first three years probably seemed to fly past; you feel like you were just cradling his sweet, tiny body in one arm. Though his growing up is bittersweet, it's also inevitable, and knowing what to expect allows you to spot problems as they unfold. Ask the pediatrician to give you a rundown of the milestones your child should hit before he turns 4. By his 4-year checkup, your little one should be able to catch a bounced ball, have some understanding of time and prefer to play with other kids instead of by himself, according to the CDC. Your pediatrician can give you a specific list tailored to your child and tell you what bumps to expect in life with a 3-year-old.

What About Preschool?

• Your pediatrician isn't only able to answer questions about sniffles and bumps; she likely knows a great deal about children's resources in the area. If your 3-year-old isn't yet enrolled in preschool, you might take this step in the coming months, so talk to your doctor about it. Ask whether she thinks he's ready to enroll. She can help you determine what kind of environment would be best for him and might even be able to suggest particular programs in which he'd thrive. If your child has any special needs or delays, your pediatrician can connect you with early intervention programs in your state. While you're talking preschool, ask the doctor about keeping your little one safe from the infections that run rampant in preschool and which symptoms warrant a sick visit to her office.