Watching a child grow from a tiny newborn into a curious toddler is an amazing experience, and teaching toddlers the many skills they need to learn is a rewarding job. By the time a child becomes a toddler they are ready to explore the world around them and are beginning to grasp basic verbal, physical, and social skills. Three year olds have very different needs than younger toddlers and strengthen the skills that they have learned since birth.

There are some common traits that most three year olds share although every child is different and develops at their own pace. If your child is soon to be three, here are six things you should know about your three year old.

Many children, especially boys, aren't ready for potty training until they're three. Many parents expect their children to be potty trained by three years old but many children aren't ready to begin the process until age three, and this is perfectly normal.

Three year olds are learning new words every day and are usually talking in 3-5 word sentences. Because they are learning so many new words it is normal to stumble over words but this is not stuttering and usually does not indicate a problem.

Some parents of toddlers are inclined to talk down to their child using overly simplified words or "baby talk." However, the best way to help your three year old develop proper speech is to talk with them using regular language with plenty of descriptive words.

Most three year olds enjoy imitating people and animals, especially those they are around on a daily basis. Three year olds will mimic what they see during play and will begin to emulate people that are close to them.

By age three children begin to develop the social skills necessary to play cooperatively with other children. Three year olds begin to share, take turns, and can tolerate delayed gratification, most of the time.

Three year olds also start to develop vivid imaginations and will often engage in imaginative play. They enjoy making up stories, pretending, and acting out their favorite books, stories, and TV shows.

Three year olds are still developing many important skills as they learn about the world around them. Teaching toddlers skills such as using the potty, how to play cooperatively, and the correct use of language become easier for three year olds who have developed the attention span and understanding needed for these tasks.