What is most likely to affect a 3-year-old's learning and development?

The arrival of a new sibling is most likely to affect a 3-year-old's learning and development because it introduces significant changes to their family dynamics and emotional landscape. This transition can lead to a variety of feelings such as jealousy, insecurity, or even excitement, which can impact their behavior, social interactions, and attention to learning activities.

Adjusting to sharing parental attention and adapting to the new role of being an older sibling can influence the child's emotional well-being and developmental milestones. It may also affect their social skills, as they learn to navigate relationships with both their new sibling and parents, leading to developments in empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.

While starting preschool, changing caregivers, and getting a new toy can play roles in a child's development, the emotional and relational implications of a new sibling tend to have a deeper, more profound impact on a young child's overall development and daily experiences.