What to Expect From Preschoolers

Preschoolers increasingly relish their independence and love to be involved in making decisions. Their increased verbal ability and understanding also means their social interactions are evolving out of toddlerhood. They're curious, insightful and increasingly interested in doing things for themselves. Keep in mind that the term "preschooler" is defined as children three to four years of age by the National Network for Childcare, and what you can reasonably expect from a three-year-old is quite different from that of a late four-year-old.

  1. Social Development

    • While three-year-olds can understand what does and doesn't belong to them, they'll likely still need some guidance when it comes to sharing and taking turns, according to the Canadian pediatrics website Caring for Kids. Four-year-olds, however, can resolve conflicts with peers and share more amicably than three-year-olds. Friends are increasingly important for this age group and by preschool, even three-year-olds will demonstrate some sense of empathy, such as trying to comfort an upset child by giving him a hug or letting him hold their favorite toy.

    Play Development

    • Preschoolers are increasingly imaginative and love to act out scenarios they witness or experience, according to the National Network for Child Care. While toddlers are content to play near, but not necessarily with, their peers, preschoolers enjoy including their friends in games they make up or act out elaborate fantasies. Keep in mind that children this age aren't always able to distinguish between fantasy and reality, according to the National Network for Child Care.

    Self-Help Skills

    • Preschoolers can wipe up spills with a paper towel and begin to dress themselves, depending on the complexity of the clothing. While a three-year-old may show great interest in buttoning her own shirt or brushing her own hair, these basic self-help skills won't really materialize until closer to age four, when they have better developed fine motor skills, according to the National Network for Child Care. A three-year-old can deposit her used clothing in the hamper, but she'll still need supervision when setting the table or using safety scissors, according to Caring for Kids.

    Cognitive Development

    • Preschoolers are notorious questioners of "why" and "how." They may often ask to hear the same story repeated so they can visualize it in their minds, according to PBS Parents. They can understand increasingly complex instructions as their memory and language comprehension expands. At age three, most preschoolers can understand at least the concept of counting and will begin to at least attempt writing, though their letters will be difficult to decipher until age four.

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