Parenting Tips for Your 35-36 Month Old Toddler
As your child’s third birthday approaches, you may be thinking about planning a party. Your child is old enough to enjoy having friends over for a celebration, but how fancy should a 3-year-old’s party be?
The basic rule for a young child’s birthday party is: Keep it simple. Children at this age can easily become overexcited at their own parties. Too much activity can turn a fun event into a disaster. Some child development experts recommend inviting the same number of children as your child’s age.
Sometimes parents try to combine a toddler’s party with an adult party. Remember that gives you twice the work to prepare and cleanup. It’s also hard to carefully watch toddlers when you are talking to other adults.
Tips for the party:
- Keep food and party games simple. Plan games in which everyone wins or at least gets some kind of prize.
- Three-year-olds aren’t very skilled at entertaining themselves, so plan 1 1/2 to 2 hours of structured activity. Alternate quiet activities, such as a story time, with active games like a balloon chase or beanbag toss.
- Plan a quiet activity like drawing or a guessing game just before serving the cake and ice cream. This way, the children aren’t overexcited when they eat.
- Children don’t always understand that presents are meant for the birthday child, so it’s a good idea to have a small party favor wrapped for each child to open.
- Finally, be prepared for the possibility that your child will be overwhelmed by the whole thing. Try to keep your sense of humor if your child bursts into tears or hides in the closet.
