Is 15 months really such an important milestone?

Many mums discover that there is something special about 15 months in their child’s development. By this age, 90 percent of all children will be walking, but there is far more going on in your child’s development than just walking right now.

You have probably noticed that your child wants to try just about everything. From sweeping the floor to talking on the phone, or sitting on a chair, your child will try just about anything he or she can right now.

Your child is also probably trying to ‘help’ you with everything he or she can, and while that help may not do much to make things easier for you, it is going a long way to helping your child’s development.

It is all about learning to master all those new physical skills your child has right now, and there is a lot you can do to encourage that.

Let your child walk whenever he or she wants to, and take him or her to the park. Play ball games with your child, or buy him or her a walker toy, that will make practising walking for even wobbly walkers a lot more fun.

More questions

How do I raise a bookworm?

The earlier you begin to encourage a love of reading in your child, the better.

My toddler is drooling and having trouble eating. Should I worry?

Drooling and difficulty eating can be associated with normal toddler behaviour, illness or sensory processes.

When does separation and independence occur in a child?

Up to the age of three, your toddler will be over separation anxiety. However, as there are so many separations in the years of growing up – pre-school, a few days away at camp, and even your child’s first year at college, bouts of separation anxiety could very well occur from time to time all through your child’s life.

How can I ensure that my toddler's motor development is on track?

As long as your toddler has plenty of space and time to play, and practice all their new physical skills, they’re probably doing just fine with her development!

How can I make sure that my child stays curious and interested in the world around him?

Toddlers are naturally curious about everything. Instead of stifling that curiosity, you should be making every effort to promote it!

Encouraging imagination and creativity: how do I do it?

Your child’s imagination is not only a source of fun – it’s one of his or her most important early learning tools.

I want my child to be in touch with her emotions. How can I ensure that she grows up that way?

Young children are emotional beings. The worst thing you can do is make them stifle those emotions. Teach them how to cope with them instead, and you’ll raise a well-adjusted child.

Encouraging spirituality: how can I make sure that my child grows up with a spiritual foundation?

If you want your child to grow up with a strong spiritual foundation, it’s never too young to start teaching, but remember to teach by example.