How much do children change between the ages of 3 and 5

[tryingtobemarypoppins2]

and in what way?

They turn more into humans I have found. Practical things like not needing buggy or to always take a change of clothes. You can have more interesting conversations with them. They become a bit more flexible. And in my case have slept much better (especially DD :))

they become children instead of being babies

there is a dramatic difference I think. when i look back at ds1 when he was 3 and how he is now.
amazing

In my case they slept much worse! LOL

But yes they become more independent. They can dress themselves, pop next door to play with the neighbours kids, have play dates can be left at parties, loads of stuff.

Oh and they start school so have other's influences on them too - good and bad!

Huge difference in independence.

I think that between the age of 3 and 4 children usually make some significant changes in terms of independence, rationality etc.
At 5 they are def more sociable, and quite happy with themselves, at least mine were like that.

this is sounding good!!

We are midway at just turned 4 and he is a lot more rational, sensible, social skills have improved. Is less scared of various things (this is the first year he could visit FC without being scared, he's a sensitive type!!). He can dress himself, can be told no (unless horrendously tired). He gets less tired, although I am looking forward to when he can get to 3pm and not flag.... think adults too have a mid afternoon lull so we shall see. He can walk half a mile to school, be told when it's time to leave someone's house without all those warnings... he has empathy and feels guilty when he's been naughty and I tell him off.
Think there have been a lot of changes between 3 and 4 although I am looking forward (without wishing away 4) to even more stamina and hopefully good behaviour!!!

Oh my 3yo is lovely. Talkative, interesting, independent. She dresses herself, ties her own laces, actually does everything for herself. No buggies or changes of clothes here for at least a year.

Is she going to go backwards?

Lucky you MissAnthropy!

LOL zapostrophe wish I had some distortion of space-time in my house!!

Well ds is 3 and doesn't need changes of clothes and can dress himself but he is still very clingy to me. All the other children in his nursery school class are a fair bit older than him (august baby sohe's the youngest) and they were all clingy to start with but are a lot quicker to warm up to situations and separation from mummy etc. Could just be my ds' personality but he is still very much a mummy's boy whereas the 4 yr olds are very much more independant and sociiable with eachother. 3 yr olds tend to need adult attention, 4 or 5 yr olds can form friend ships with other children better.

Hello meandjoe! Nice to see you pop up! I remember you on coming to rescue me on many a "Ahhhhh my DS" type treads! Sounds like all is well with you?

Everyday I see little changes for the better :) and in some ways it seems this phase is changing more rapidly than the early years. Interesting to hear peoples experiences, all sounds pretty positive!