How independent is your 3 1/2 yr old?

[CrocodileFondue]

DS is 4 at the end of August, he still needs quite a lot of help getting dressed and undressed, can use a fork and spoon ok but still struggles with knife and fork and makes quite a bit of mess at meal times.

We are practicing these skills as much as possible but I'm quite worried that he will be behind and will struggle when he goes into reception in September. (Assuming it starts as normal)

Do other children normally have all this stuff figured out by 3 1/2?

My just turned four year old has advanced a lot in the last six months. Just this month he can now wipe his bum and wash his hands by himself. He is very slow at getting dressed still (undressed is faster!) and needs help often. I wouldn’t say he uses a knife and fork completely properly yet though he will hold it and have a go.

When he was going to nursery he was a little bit behind the other children, especially the girls in the class. I bet your son will advance loads in the next few months and your practicing with him will really help.

What does he wear? Elasticated waistbands like jogging bottoms, loose fitting t shirts and pants with a picture on the front all helped mine dress himself. Socks are difficult for ages, shorts are easier than trousers, and I've no idea how kids ever manage to put on their own tights I can't even do it properly as an adult .

DS1 turned 3 in feb and he can’t get dressed himself yet. He still needs a bit of help. U said ur son is struggling wiv knives and forks, is it 2 so wiv fine motor skills?. Are there any activities u can do 2 improve them.

My DS is 4 in November and prefers to use his hands, he can use a fork but not a knife

My just turned four year old has advanced a lot in the last six months. Just this month he can now wipe his bum and wash his hands by himself

This has made me feel so much better, DS has been using the potty for the last 6 months but cannot wipe his own bum and i have been really worried for when he's supposed to start school in September

He can't draw much yet either, he can draw a circle and a face but cant write his name or shapes like triangles or squares

I do think boys learn a bit slower than girls do, i try not to compare but DD picked up things a lot quicker than DS does

Sorry and he cant get himself dressed properly yet either. He can get himself undressed very well but struggles with his pants and socks

Thanks for the replies, they make me feel a bit better.
Yes, he does struggle with fine motor skills and we are trying lots of exercises to help with this but he is not keen to try so it's tough going.

My boy went to school not interested at all in writing. Having not entertained it at home or nursery. Now in reception is doing really well can write and read lots of different thing. Now at home due to school shut is happy to carry on learning