3 Years
Equilibrium
Almost every aspect of 2 ½ year old behavior, which made trouble for him and those about him, seems to have disappeared or at least lessened.
Two used "No," three uses "Yes" and goes forward positively to meet each new adventure.
Like to "give" as well as "take." Likes to share, both objects and experiences. Uses the word "we" frequently.
No longer seems to need the protection of rituals.
Greater maturity has led to feel much more secure within himself and in his relations to others.
People are important.
Increased motor abilities allow activities to be done with minimal difficulty.
Increased ability with, and interest in, language help him to be a delightful companion and interesting group member. Can not only be controlled by language, can be entertained and can entertain. Loves new words and they can often act like magic in influencing him to behave as we would wish. Such words as "help," "might," "could," are active motivators to get him to perform necessary tasks.
3 ½ Years
It seems as though in order to proceed from the equilibrium of the 3 – year old stage to that which is usually attained by 5 years of age, the child’s behavior needs to break up, loosen up, and go through a phase of new integration. All this comes to a head around 3 ½.
Period of marked insecurity, disequilibrium, in coordination.
Poor or new coordinator may express itself in any or all fields of behavior. It may express itself only temporarily and very lightly in some children or for a considerably longer period and much more markedly in others. This period often causes great concern, but it is so characteristic of this particular age period that though certain environmental factors may exaggerate it, in many cases we can fairly consider that it is caused by growth factors alone.
Motor incoordination may express itself in stumbling, falling, fear of heights. A child whose hand and arm movements have up to now been strong and firm may suddenly draw with a thin, wavy line, may build (such as blocks) with a noticeable hand tremor.
Language may be involved. Stuttering very often comes in at this period in children who have never stuttered before.
Eyes and ears may be involved. Parents are often worried by the temporary (or more persistent) crossing of the eyes, which comes in here. The child may complain that he "can’t see."
Tensional outlets are often exaggerated – blinking of eyes, biting nails, picking nose, exhibiting facial or other tics, masturbating, and sucking thumb excessively.
Emotionally insecure – crying, whining, frequent questioning, especially of this mother: "Do you love me?" complains: "You don’t love me." Extremely demanding with adults: "Don’t look," "Don’t talk," "Don’t laugh." May demand that all attention is focused on himself and thus becomes extremely jealous of any attention shared by members of the family to each other. Shows insecurity with his friends and demands their exclusive attention. Very shy one minute – over boisterous the next.
Suggestions:
a. Try to keep from blaming various aspects of the environment for any or all of the difference in coordination.
b. Show the child extra affection and understanding which is so desperately needed at this age.
http://www.odessa.edu/dept/psychology/cwells/gesells_stages_of_development.htm