Maternal and child health – visit 10 - three and a half year visit

The three-and-a-half-year check-up#

Around the age of three-and-a-half, many children have a health and development check-up with a child health nurse. At this visit, your child’s growth, health and development are reviewed, and it is a good time to talk about preparing for the move to preschool or school.

Your child may have a vision screening to check how clearly they can see. You may also be asked to complete a short developmental questionnaire before the visit, so it helps to fill this in beforehand. The visit often focuses on immunisations, but you and your nurse can also talk about any other issues or concerns that come up.

What your child may be doing at this age#

At this stage, children are becoming more independent and adventurous. They often love being involved in everyday activities like cooking and shopping, and they are starting to understand their own and other people’s feelings. Around three-and-a-half to five years, many children are:

• running and climbing stairs
• drawing, and cutting with scissors
• asking lots of questions
• playing with other children and learning how to share

When to tell your nurse#

Let the nurse know if your child is not:

• drawing
• talking clearly
• able to talk in sentences
• coming to you for affection or comfort
• playing imaginary games
• playing with other children

Ideas to help your child learn and develop#

• Give them plenty of outdoor playtime with lots of running, tumbling and rolling.
• Play games that involve sharing and taking turns.
• Let them help with the cooking, shopping or gardening.
• Read with them and ask questions about the story.
• Encourage them to draw, and talk together about their picture.

Topics you can discuss at the visit#

A check-up at this age is also a chance to talk about:

• immunisations
• helping your child eat healthy food
• taking care of your child’s teeth
• your child’s vision
• staying sun safe and water safe
• how play supports learning and development
• family relationships and wellbeing

How often should I visit?#

Children usually have a series of health and development check-ups at key ages through their early years, ending around the time they are getting ready to start school. Many services also offer drop-in consultation sessions and some after-hours appointments. Your nurse can let you know what is available in your area and when the next check-up is due.

Where to get help#