I am excited to have Amber of Four to Adore (another Mama of multiples) share a special guest post today on parenting “threenagers.” Find out more about Amber in her bio at the bottom of the post.
Threenagers. Oh how I have done my fair share of grumbling about what it’s like being the parent of four “threenagers”. It was almost as if I put four cherubs to bed on the eve of their third birthday and by morning they transformed to gremlins whose strong emotions and opinions became unbearable. And, I am not alone with this sentiment. Three seems to be a difficult age for most if not all parents, hence the trending term, “threenager”. With every season of parenting there are the obvious challenges, but so many joys to celebrate. As we approach age four, I’m trying to relish the many wonderful things age three has brought us.
1. Inquisitive
At three, the kids have a zest for learning. They absorb information from all around them and thirst for more. Even the most mundane things are learning experiences for them as they learn the mechanics of the world. Seeing the world through a three year old’s eyes is refreshing
2. Honest
Thankfully three year olds aren’t typically savvy enough to tell lies, and if they try give themselves away. If I want to know who scribbled on the wall or got into the Goldfish crackers, all I need to do is ask. Chances are someone will fess up. They’ll also let me know if I forget something or make a mistake. There’s nothing like accountability from three year olds.
3. Delight in Chores
Three year olds genuinely enjoy chores. They feel empowered and valued when doing chores and they are developing skills that are actually helpful. Without hesitation, the kids will pitch in to do everything from load the washing machine to feeding the dogs. I know that a day will come when I’ll hear groans about chores so now I’m appreciating this moment. Plus, it’s nice having a few little chores off my to do list.
4. Independence
I often struggle with knowing how much independence to allow the kids, and they’ve been surprising me with what they can do on their own and what they initiate. For instance, one of the girls started brushing her teeth without prompting and puts the toothpaste on everyone else’s toothbrush. With a stool, all four can refill their own water bottles. Just like with chores, new found independence can really help a mama!
5. Imagination
With budding imaginations, the kids are less reliant upon me to entertain them, and instead enjoy playing with each other. Even better, it takes very little to spark imaginative play and inexpensive items provide hours of entertainment. Some of the best entertainment was found in items found at the Dollar Tree. As I type this, I have one child who is making a dress pattern by tracing a piece of fabric with a plastic knife and ironing out the wrinkles. Meanwhile the boys are swashbuckling clad in pirate hats and eye patches.
6. Conversations
The kids have developed incredible language skills and we have deep and sometimes entertaining conversations. I’m constantly impressed with their ability to articulate their thoughts, appropriately use new vocabulary words (this is the part where it’s critical to watch what is said in front of them!) and make connections. It’s also lots of fun asking their opinions about various things. For example, when I asked one of the girls what I should wear to a party, without skipping a beat she replied, “you should wear a tunic with leggings, a necklace, and Tom’s.” Pretty solid fashion advice.
7. Extracurricular Activities
Age three is the minimum age for enrolling in extracurricular activities and it’s loads of fun. The girls have been learning how to plié, releve, and jete in dance lessons since the fall, and our boys are stoked about spring tee ball. It’s been such fun watching them develop new skills and beam with pride upon mastery. We aren’t expecting prima ballerinas or all star athletes, but these things are helping the kids learn how to follow directions and develop sportsmanship.
8. Snuggles
My three year olds are still small enough to snuggle in my lap, and they enjoy it too. Enough said.
9. Easily Soothed
It doesn’t matter if the kids have hurt feelings or an injury, no matter what a little TLC and a kiss always solves the problem. It’s nice being someone’s hero. Sometimes I wish my problems were so easily solved.
10. Salient Memories
At this age, the kids are developing salient memories and recall things from the past. It’s fascinating to hear them recant an event. Knowing they can remember something makes family events and traditions even better.
When it comes to parenting, the old adage holds true “the days are long, but the years are short.” Though there are many trying days and times, there’s so much more to appreciate in our daily lives and it’s important to make note of the “good stuff.”
Amber Shawver resides in Fort Worth with her husband, George, and their three year old quadruplets, Rylin, Harper, Sydney, and Mason. In an effort to maintain professional skills and a stitch of sanity, Amber continues to practice school psychology part-time. She finds that her professional training and experience are often handy managing the quads at home. In her spare time, Amber chronicles life raising quadruplets on her blog, Four to Adore. You’ll also find Four to Adore on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Amber says
Thank you for allowing me the platform! 🙂 I hope this helps others remember a few good things about threenagers.
Theresa says
Hi Amber.
Thank you for sharing your insights. Your list made me smile and agree! Many of those same wonderful traits still apply at age 5.
: 0 ) Theresa
CourtneyLynne says
Haha my daughter is 3 and it almost cracks me up how honest 3 year olds really are!
Theresa says
Hi CourtneyLynne.
Yes, they tell the truth (and sometimes more than you want to know!) They give such genuine love and compliments too.
: 0 ) Theresa
Amber says
I'm glad these wonderful traits last past age three 😉 Sometimes the honesty is brutal, but even when the truth hurts, it makes me smile when coming from a three year old.
Theresa says
Hi Amber.
That is true! They have no ill will in any of their observations (at age 5 also).
: 0 ) Theresa
Shann Soiney says
I have 3-year-old twin boys, so I know the term threenager all too well. I do love to watch them learn and discover. And the snuggles are the best!
Theresa says
Hi Shann.
The snuggles are so wonderful! Ours still like to snuggle at age 5. Amber did a fantastic job of capturing all the wonderful traits of threenagers.
: 0 ) Theresa
Tessa Shull says
They are DEFINITELY inquisitive and honest! Great list 🙂
Theresa says
Hi Tessa.
Yes they are! Amber's list is wonderful.
: 0 ) Theresa
Joanna Clute says
Their conversations are the best! I have a threenager and an almost threenager in my house right now… it's an adventure!
Theresa says
Hi Joanna.
It sure is! Three is a super fun age.
: 0 ) Theresa
Andria Milliard says
Love this list! We are just 2.5 and I feel that we already have so many of these great qualities. Looking forward to the coming year knowing they will be sticking around and be getting just that much better.
Theresa says
Hi Andria.
3 us a fun age! Amber did a great job highlighting all the positive qualities that are so wonderful to see.
: 0 ) Theresa
Maria from Collecting Moments says
Can I just tell you how refreshing it is to read something positive about threenagers. I have a two year old and I hear my fair share of the terrible two blues, but I've also had my fair warnings: wait until the threenager stage kicks in…
But your post reminds me that there is a silver lining to every stage of childhood, and we should celebrate every one of them, despite their challenges that also came with it. Thanks so much for sharing this 🙂
Meredith says
I have a threenager at home, and I agree with all of these points! I love all the discussions we can have now, and his curiosity about the world. And I love soothing all his troubles with kisses and cuddles! Thanks for sharing this sweet post at the #ManicMondays blog hop!
Jennifer Corter says
Oh how I remember when my little guy was only three. They are still snuggly at that age! Now that he is five, almost six, he doesn't want to do that too much anymore!
Theresa says
Hi Maria.
Amber really did provide a refreshing perspective! We have all been warned about the terrible things in the twos and threes already.
: 0 ) Theresa
Theresa says
Hi Meredith.
3 is such a fun age. I think Amber did an awesome job highlighting the joys.
: 0 ) Theresa
Theresa says
Hi Jennifer.
Snuggles are so nice! Our still snuggle at age 5, but not as much as they did when they were smaller.
: 0 ) Theresa
3 Princesses and 1 Dude says
Great list, 3 is my favourite age. I used to be a preschool leader before leaving to have my clan! And they really were my favourite littlest people ever! 🙂
Theresa says
Hi 3 Princesses and 1 Dude.
3 is a very sweet age. Amber did a wonderful job capturing the positive qualities.
: 0 ) Theresa