A 15-month-old should be actively exploring and developing various skills, including physical, cognitive, and social-emotional aspects.
Developmental Milestones for a 15-Month-Old
At this stage, you can expect a lot of development from your child. Here's a breakdown of what a 15-month-old is typically working on, based on the provided reference:
| Area of Development | Activities and Expectations |
|---|---|
| Cognitive | Increased curiosity, learning new words, starting to understand simple instructions, exploring objects with hands and mouth, and beginning to solve basic problems (e.g., figuring out how to get a toy). |
| Physical | Independent walking, improving coordination and balance, developing small hand movements like picking up small objects, manipulating toys, and maybe even beginning to use a spoon. They will be very active and exploring their surroundings through movement. |
| Social-Emotional | Demonstrating strong attachments to caregivers, enjoying interaction with others, perhaps beginning to show early signs of parallel play (playing alongside but not necessarily with other children). |
| Language | Expanding vocabulary and starting to use more words, understanding simple directions, recognizing familiar names and objects, and beginning to communicate needs through sounds and gestures. |
Recommended Activities
According to the reference, here are some beneficial activities for a 15-month-old's development:
- Talking and Listening: Engage in frequent conversations, use simple words, and listen to your child's attempts at communication.
- Reading: Read picture books together, pointing at objects and naming them, which enhances language development.
- Moving: Encourage physical activity through play, exploring, and walking.
- Playing Outside: Offer outdoor time to explore nature, promote physical activity, and provide different sensory experiences.
- Everyday Skills: Involve your toddler in age-appropriate tasks like putting toys away and starting to help with simple self-care skills.
- Playing with Others: Create opportunities for interaction with other toddlers, which can help develop social skills.
Examples and Practical Tips
- Encouraging Curiosity: Offer a variety of safe, stimulating toys and let your child explore them freely.
- Developing Hand Movements: Provide opportunities for activities that involve fine motor skills, such as stacking blocks, using crayons, and playing with shape sorters.
- Promoting Social Development: Arrange playdates and encourage interaction with other children, while understanding their stage of parallel play.
- Building Vocabulary: Name objects, people, and actions frequently in your daily routine.
- Supporting Movement: Create safe areas for the child to explore and move around.
