A: This is normal behavior, Amy, for a 3-year-old. In fact, the other day my 3-year-old grandson suddenly became a dog. He crawled around on all fours and barked and acted like he was our pet. Here is what I suggest you do: when your daughter uses her imagination in this way go along with her for awhile, enjoying the play and acting like she’s pretending that she is a puppy or a kitten. In a short time she will move onto some other activity. If you feel she has been playing at this far too long, just pick her up and say something like, “Okay, I want my little girl back so let’s stop pretending,” and then distract her with a snack or a game or a story. Here's another idea: let’s say she’s being a puppy and you need to tell her that it’s time to do something—like take a bath. There is no reason why you can’t give a puppy a bath! In fact, she will probably be very receptive if you get into her imaginative play in this way. And Amy, relax and enjoy this stage; your daughter is behaving like a normal 3-year-old.