My experience with three year olds is quite extensive. I have been through this age four times as a mom. I have taught Sunday school and had home daycare. In my opinion, the age of three is far worse than the age of two. I think terrible twos is a term that should be changed to terrible threes.
When a child reaches the age of three, she is better able to communicate her wants and needs. She may not be better able to distinguish the two but she can now tell you about it. She has formed expectations and reached an age where she is asserting herself. All of these little changes collide with she feels something conflicts with the natural order of things. For instance, if her cookie breaks, her doll’s shoe is missing, or her sister gets what appears to be more macaroni and cheese. A three year old now has definite ideas of what she wants to do and how she wants to do it despite reality. So, she may want to eat ten scoops of ice cream or tie her own shoes. I cannot tell you how many shoes I have purchased over the years that did not tie. My husband worried the kids would never learn to tie their own shoes.
Three years old is a tough age. Stay firm and consistent and your bumpy road will smooth out. We have all heard many times that consistency is key. I can tell you that no truer words have been spoken. Consistency will have you from much more frustration than raising a three year old will already give you. Get in your practice now since the strive for independence will return in the teenage years. Right now, is your mini test drive. At least three year olds retain their adorableness and make you laugh, right?