A 3-year-old should be able to answer more complex questions as their language skills continue to develop. At this age, they are starting to understand and use basic question words such as “who”, “what”, “where”, and “why”. However, it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, so not all 3-year-olds may be able to answer these questions consistently.
When it comes to “who” questions, a 3-year-old should be able to identify people in their immediate environment. They should be able to recognize and name family members, friends, and familiar faces. For example, if you ask them, “Who is your mommy?” they should be able to point to or name their mother.
As for “what” questions, a 3-year-old should be able to answer simple inquiries about objects and actions. They should be able to tell you what they are doing or what they see around them. For instance, if you ask them, “What are you eating?” they should be able to respond with the name of the food they are consuming.
When it comes to “where” questions, a 3-year-old should have a basic understanding of location. They should be able to answer questions like, “Where is your toy?” and point to the correct place or object. They may also be able to identify common locations such as their bedroom or the kitchen.
Lastly, a 3-year-old may begin to ask and answer simple “why” questions. They may be curious about cause and effect relationships and want to understand the reasons behind certain actions or events. For example, they might ask, “Why is the sky blue?” or “Why do I have to go to bed?”
It’s important to note that while a 3-year-old may be able to answer these types of questions, their responses may still be limited and may not always be accurate. They are still developing their language skills and expanding their vocabulary, so patience and understanding are key.
In my personal experience as a parent, I found that engaging in conversations and asking open-ended questions with my 3-year-old helped foster their language development. It’s important to create a safe and supportive environment where they feel encouraged to express themselves and ask questions.