Yes, you read that right. Ok, so I know the\u00a0Threenage years are tough \u2013 very tough \u2013 what with your three-year-old beginning to have a mind of his\/her own (an irrational, illogical one at that!), strong opinions, pendulum-swinging likes and dislikes and of course, the tantrums.<\/p>\n
BUT<\/p>\n
The Threens are also a LOVELY stage in your child’s growing-up years. Here are 5 reasons why I love the Threes\u2026<\/p>\n
1. Three-year-olds can talk. A lot!<\/strong><\/p>\n Remember the first time your little one said ‘mama’? Wasn’t it the best sound to your ears? Now imagine hearing new words, even sentences, from your little one every day! Words you didn’t think he would \u2013 or could \u2013 know. Or understand. Or pronounce.<\/p>\n To hear your child articulate something to you so well, to be able to have an almost adult-like conversation with them, and to communicate with them in proper language and not baby phrases is awesome. And makes you so proud!<\/p>\n Of course, hearing them\u00a0mispronounce difficult words and send grammar for a complete toss is adorable too. Little Man loves reading The Lion King these days, but insists its Hakuna Tanata and not Hakuna Matata!<\/p>\n PS: Write down or record the cute phrases and pronunciations your toddler says. It will bring back superb memories when they are older!<\/p>\n 2. They are more independent<\/strong><\/p>\n Again, this can be a pain in the backside, especially when your three-year-old thinks and insists he can do EVERYTHING by himself; and takes triple the time to do it.<\/p>\n But\u2026 have patience the first 17 times (told you motherhood ain’t easy!) and you’ll be smiling the 18th time. Because life becomes so much easier when your child does basic things on his own. Like eating an entire meal without half of it being on his clothes; putting on and taking off his own socks\/ shoes\/ jackets; going to the toilet unaided. You are not needed for every little thing every second of the day. Breathe easy.<\/p>\n 3. They are potty-trained<\/strong><\/p>\n Taking off from point number 2, most three-year-olds are potty-trained. Or almost there. While the process was probably long and messy, the end-result is wow. No more tugging big nappy bags everywhere you go. No more making sure the restaurant you choose to eat at has a baby changing room. No more spending money on nappies hurrah.<\/p>\n