For you
- 💛If you need a break away from your child, ask another trusted adult to take over supervision first. If no one can take over, stay nearby and keep watching your child while you pause and breathe.
- 🥗Keep mealtimes low-pressure by focusing on your own plate and modeling enjoyment of food without hovering over your child. Offering a consistent 'safe food' on the plate alongside new items can help your toddler feel more comfortable exploring tastes at their own pace.
- 🧘Remember that your worth as a parent is not defined by how many bites your child takes. Be gentle with yourself on days when the kitchen floor ends up with more food than your toddler's stomach; feeding is a long-term journey.
For your baby
- 🧸At 15 months, your toddler may be asserting their independence by pushing food away or showing sudden preferences for specific textures. This is a common part of their development, so try to remain neutral and keep the atmosphere relaxed to encourage a positive relationship with eating.
- 🥣If you notice your toddler is wary of new foods, try offering them in small, non-threatening portions alongside familiar favorites. Avoid coaxing or pressuring them to eat, as this can inadvertently turn mealtimes into a battle of wills.
- 🎨For a practical play idea this month, offer a large, empty plastic storage container and a set of clean, oversized plastic mixing spoons or large silicone cups. Let them explore the 'clinking' sounds and stacking, which builds fine motor coordination without the need for small, loose parts.
💡 Fun Fact
At 15 months, many toddlers begin to show a strong sense of 'cause and effect' in their play, such as repeatedly dropping a toy to see how it hits the ground or intentionally pushing a button to see what light or sound follows.
🏆 Milestones
At 15 months, toddlers may be exploring their environment with increased confidence, expressing their personal preferences more clearly, and experimenting with a wider range of physical movements. Development varies widely, so please reach out to your health visitor or doctor if you have any specific concerns about your child's progress or if you notice a loss of previously established skills.