Discover your baby's 7 big milestones in Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Communications, and Cognitive Development.

At 33 months, your child is almost 3 years old. At this stage, children usually exhibit growth in physical development, communication, and cognitive skills. You will notice that your child's communication improves as they begin recognizing pronouns, helping them express their needs more effectively. Their gross motor skills are also developing, indicating progress in balancing and muscle control. Fine motor skills are improving, and they are enhancing their cognitive abilities, such as recognizing shapes and matching puzzles. These milestones are an indication of your child's growth and development.

Is your baby up to the challenge?

This month marks a significant milestone in your child's development. They have begun to master their coordination and balance skills, as evidenced by signs of independence. Their communication skills are improving as they start making four-word sentences to express their needs, using pronouns like "I," "she," "you," "it," and "he." [1.] During this month, your child also develops their cognitive abilities by recognizing shapes and patterns. [2.]

Why does this month matter?

At around 33 months, kids begin to show clear signs of their needs as they start using pronouns to express themselves and become more active in their physical activities by trying to pedal a tricycle, which indicates strength and control in gross motor skills. They also start showing progress in their fine motor skills by scribbling circles, and kids begin to develop problem-solving skills and recognize shapes, which also reflects their cognitive development, as well as their fine motor skills. All of this progress matters because they demonstrate the maturation of developmental skills.

Gross Motor Skills:

Gross motor skills involve using the large muscles of the body, which help kids walk or run. [3.] When your child is 33 months old, they should be able to walk down the stairs with one foot on each step, for about 6-7 steps. At this age, they may also try to practice riding a tricycle and attempt to jump and climb.

Fine Motor Skills:

Fine motor skills involve the use of your hands and arms. This month's milestones include scribbling circles and drawing horizontal and vertical lines. Children at this age may be able to hold their forks and spoons properly. According to a Michigan State University article, "Building Fine Motor Skills and Why it Matters," fine motor skills development is crucial because it lays the foundation for children to perform everyday tasks in the future. [4.]

Cognitive Development:

Pattern recognition is a fundamental part of a child's cognitive development. At the age of 33 months, children should begin matching shapes and patterns, which indicate their developing mental abilities.

Communication:

In terms of communication milestones, kids begin using pronouns like “I,” “me,” and “he/she” correctly. They can also construct four-word sentences, which shows the development in vocabulary and sentence structure. These language skills enable children to express their thoughts and needs more clearly.

Your child is making incredible progress in some of the most fundamental areas of development, including cognitive development by recognizing patterns to match shapes and colors. They are developing better balance and coordination by enhancing their gross motor skills through activities like jumping and climbing. They are also improving their communication skills by using pronouns. In addition, they are developing their fine motor skills by scribbling and drawing lines. All this progress is a sign of your child's development that they should achieve by the age of 33 months.

Work Cited

1. “24-36 Month Developmental Milestones.” St. Jude Together, 2024, together.stjude.org/en-us/emotional-support-daily-life/early-childhood-development/24-to-36-months.html

   
   

2. “When Do Children Recognise Patterns?  | Footsteps Early Learning Centre.” Footsteps Early Learning Centre, 21 July 2024,

   www.footstepsearlylearningcentre.com.au/when-do-children-recognise-patterns/

   
   

3. “Play through the Ages: Ages 30 to 36 Months.” MSU Extension, www.canr.msu.edu/news/play_through_the_ages_ages_30_to_36_months

   
   

4. “Building Fine Motor Skills and Why It Matters.” MSU Extension, 14 June 2016, www.canr.msu.edu/news/building_fine_motor_skills_and_why_it_matters?utm_source=chatgpt.com

How many of the 7 Milestones has your 33-month-old mastered?

This month is crucial because it shows developmental growth in their strength and coordination of mind and body as children start scribbling in circles, recognizing patterns, and using their body strength to try riding a tricycle. With a Basic Membership for only $2 a month, you’ll gain access to an easy way to track all 812 developmental milestones your child is expected to reach from birth to age 4. You can keep a clear picture of their progress, spot what’s coming next, and enjoy celebrating every new achievement together.

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