Parenting a three-year-old is an emotional rollercoaster. These pint-sized humans, often called “threenagers,” have a pretty inspiring (and intimidating) blend of curiosity, independence, and tenacity. They know what they like, are eager to explore the world, and have a seemingly endless supply of questions and demands. It sure is a wonderful and challenging time for parents.
At three years old, kids are actively figuring out who they are and what they want – maybe for the first time. They might ask you to tell them as many stories as they want about your life, their grandparents, and anything else that sparks their curiosity. This relentless inquiry can be exhausting, but it’s important to remember that behind these questions is a developing mind eager to understand the world.
Seeing your child as a unique individual
It’s important to remember that our kids are individuals in their own right. While they’re part of our lives, they’re not ours to shape according to our own desires. They have their own minds, needs, and concerns. Respecting their individuality and treating them with respect is of the utmost important for helping them to grow.
This approach is in line with the Catholic understanding of human dignity. Every child is a unique creation of God and, as such, they deserve our respect and understanding. By recognizing their individuality, we are honoring God’s design and helping them grow spiritually and personally.
"Threenager" strategies
To make it through this intense period with (some) grace, here are some strategies to try:
- Be patient. When you’re faced with a lot of questions, take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is part of their learning process. Your patience will show them, in turn, what it means to be patient. They might not (always) listen to what you say, but they sure see what you do.
- It’s okay to set limits on story time and question sessions. Setting aside specific times for these activities can help manage expectations and your energy. Let them know you can talk about other things. Jump ahead and create opportunities for different kinds of conversations.
- Encourage them to explore, and let your children discover answers on their own. This could be through almost anything and everything: books, educational toys, interactive play – even boredom. Encouraging independence in learning helps kids build confidence and critical thinking skills.
- It’s also important to nurture their spirituality. Make sure to incorporate faith into your child’s daily routines. Simple prayers, stories from the Bible, and visits to church will help your children understand and feel connected to their spiritual heritage.
- Take a moment to reflect on your role. Remember that parenting is a partnership with God. Your job is to guide and nurture, while respecting that your children are on their own journey. Look at each day as a chance to be grateful for the privilege of watching them grow.
By treating “threenagers” with patience, respect, and love, we help them navigate this stage and lay a foundation for their future development. Embrace this phase as an opportunity to grow alongside your child, both as a parent and as a person of faith.
