Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What is an expected capability of a 3 year old child?

1. Ride a tricycle

2. Tie his shoelaces

3. Roller-skate

4. Jump rope

The correct answer is: Ride a tricycle

A 3-year-old child is typically able to ride a tricycle, as this skill aligns with their physical and motor development milestones. At this age, children generally exhibit improved coordination and balance, which enables them to propel a tricycle using their legs. Riding a tricycle also supports their gross motor skills, allowing for further development of their lower body strength and coordination. In contrast, tying shoelaces generally requires more advanced fine motor skills and cognitive understanding of sequential tasks, which typically develops later. Likewise, roller-skating and jumping rope demand even greater balance and coordination, skills that are usually not fully developed until at least 4 or 5 years of age. Thus, riding a tricycle is the most appropriate activity reflecting the capabilities of a child at 3 years old.