Kids love to communicate in a range of different ways. 

They all develop at different rates. 

Your child may be faster or slower at talking and listening than others. 

Here’s a guide for what you can expect. 

By 3 years, kids can usually: 

• Understand simple questions about “What”, “Where” and “Who”. 
• Recognise some basic colours. 
• Say 4-5 words in a sentence. 
• Have a conversation – but may struggle to take turns speaking or stay on topic. 

By 4 years, kids can usually: 

• Answer most questions about daily tasks. 
• Understand most “What”, “Where” and “Who” questions. 
• Ask lots of questions. 
• Count to 5 and name a few colours. 

For more on what to expect or to find talking ideas, visit Let’s Talk. 

If you have any concerns about your child, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor. 

Kids seem to always be on the go! 

They move in a range of different ways and develop at their own rate. 

Your child may be faster or slower than others with their physical abilities. 

Here’s a guide for what you can expect. 

By 3 years, kids can usually: 

• Walk, run, climb, kick and jump easily.  
• Start to use a spoon or fork. 
• Catch a large ball that is rolled to them. 
• Open a door. 

By 4 years, kids can usually: 

• Hop, jump and run. 
• Start to use a toilet on their own. 
• Climb playground equipment. 
• Throw a ball and attempt to catch a large ball. 

If you have any concerns about your child, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor. 

Kids interact with the people around them in so many ways. 

They all develop at their own rate. 

Your child may be faster or slower than others at engaging with people. 

Here’s a guide for what you can expect. 

By 3 years, kids can usually: 

• Play with other children. 
• Engage in simple make-believe play. 
• Start to be able to share toys. 

By 4 years, kids can usually: 

• Enjoy playing with other children. 
• Have a particular friend or friends. 
• Start showing independence and social skills, with support. 

If you have any concerns about your child, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor. 

Kids can experience some big emotions. 

They all develop at their own rate. 

Your child may be faster or slower at expressing and dealing with emotions than others. 

Here’s a guide for what you can expect. 

By 3 years, kids can usually: 

• Show strong attachment to their parent or carer. 
• Demand adult attention. 
• Continue to have a special blanket or stuffed toy for comfort. 

By 4 years, kids can usually: 

• Understand when someone is hurt and comfort them. 
• Praise themselves or be boastful. 

If you have any concerns about your child, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor. 

Kids are always learning. 

They all develop at their own rate. 

Your child may be faster or slower at learning new things than others. 

Here’s a guide for what you can expect. 

By 3 years, kids can usually: 

• Engage in make believe and pretend play. 
• Start to count with numbers. 
• Recognise when something is the same or different. 
• Build a tower of 5-7 objects. 

By 4 years can usually: 

• Use objects to construct things. 
• Count small groups (i.e. 5-10 items), but may touch each item to count. 
• Recall events or stories correctly. 
• Match and name some colours. 

If you have any concerns about your child, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor.