Congratulations, your toddler has discovered the power of "no." They're pointing at everything, probably saying around 10 words, and have developed very strong feelings about things you didn't know we...
The Quick Brief
Congratulations, your toddler has discovered the power of "no." They're pointing at everything, likely saying anywhere from a couple of words to ten or more, and have developed very strong feelings about things you didn't know were opinion-worthy. This is the month where parenting becomes less about care routines and more about navigating a tiny human's newly emerging will.
What's Happening with Toddler
According to CDC milestones, 15-month-olds are hitting significant cognitive and communication markers. Most children at this age can say one or two words besides "mama" and "dada," look at familiar objects when named, and point to show you things they're interested in. Some are already approaching 10 or more words, but the normal range is wide—if your toddler only has a couple of words right now, that's still on track.
The pointing is developmental gold—it shows your child understands that directing your attention to something can get them what they want. It's intentional communication, even if it's not verbal. When they point at the crackers and make urgent sounds, they're doing something cognitively sophisticated.
Physically, walking is now confident enough that running attempts are emerging. Balance is improving, though falls remain frequent. You'll notice increased climbing attempts—stairs, furniture, anything that looks scalable.
Socially, your toddler is copying other children during play and showing affection through hugs and kisses. They also understand "no" as a concept—both when you say it to them and when they say it to you. Testing boundaries isn't defiance; it's their job at this age. They're learning where the limits are by pushing against them.
The word "no" deserves special mention. Your toddler may be using it constantly, often as a reflex rather than a genuine objection. They're practicing a new tool. Don't take every "no" as a final answer—sometimes they need help transitioning despite their verbal protest.
What's Happening with Mom
Navigating a toddler's emerging independence while maintaining necessary boundaries is mentally exhausting. The constant negotiation of daily activities—diaper changes, getting dressed, eating—that used to be simple can now become battlegrounds.
Physical exhaustion continues as chasing intensifies. Many moms report this stage as particularly draining because the baby-level care (diapers, feeding, carrying) continues while new toddler-level challenges (mobility, opinions, tantrums) stack on top.
Emotionally, some moms find this stage thrilling—your child is becoming a real person with preferences and personality. Others find it frustrating—why does getting shoes on now require a 10-minute negotiation? Both responses are valid. The inconsistency of toddler moods can destabilize anyone's equilibrium.
If mom is managing work and childcare, the challenge of drop-offs with a toddler who has opinions about separation adds a new layer of stress. Separation anxiety can peak around this age.
What Dad Should Do Now
First and most critical: establish your discipline approach with your partner NOW. And reframe what "discipline" means—the word literally means "to teach." Your job isn't to punish toddler behavior; it's to teach your child how the world works and how to manage their emotions within it. Research consistently shows that punishment-based approaches don't work with toddlers. They're not developmentally capable of the impulse control or long-term thinking that consequences require.
Instead, focus on: prevention (remove temptations, stick to routines, don't let them get overtired or hungry), redirection (offer acceptable alternatives), and connection (stay calm and present during meltdowns). When your toddler tests a boundary, your job is to hold that boundary calmly and consistently, not to make them suffer for testing it.
Second: master the art of limited choices. Toddlers need to feel some control over their world—that's developmentally appropriate. But unlimited choices overwhelm them. Offer two acceptable options: "Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?" "Should we put on pants first or shirt first?" This gives them agency while you maintain control of the overall direction.
Third: develop your tantrum response. When tantrums hit, stay calm (your emotional regulation models theirs), acknowledge the feeling ("You really wanted that"), stay physically present, and wait. Don't try to reason or explain during peak meltdown—their emotional brain has hijacked the logical one. After they calm down, keep your response brief: "You were upset. Let's go play."
Fourth: build your communication toolkit. Get down to their eye level when speaking. Use simple, short sentences. Point and gesture to support your words. Repeat and expand their attempts at language—if they say "ba" for ball, say "Yes, ball! That's a blue ball." This supports language development without correcting them.
Fifth: stay consistent. The number one factor in effective toddler guidance is consistency between parents and across situations. If jumping on the couch is not allowed, it's never allowed—not when you're tired, not when you just need five minutes, not when guests are over. Inconsistency teaches toddlers to keep testing because sometimes the answer changes.
The Relationship Check-In
You and your partner will have different instincts around discipline and boundary-setting. This is normal—you were raised by different people with different approaches. The goal isn't to agree naturally; it's to work out a shared approach you can both execute consistently.
Have explicit conversations: What happens when they throw food? When they hit? When they refuse to get in the car seat? When they say "no" to everything? Script out your responses together so you're not making it up in the moment with your toddler watching you waver.
Also recognize that this stage can amplify relationship tension. When you're both exhausted and your toddler is screaming, it's easy to criticize each other's approach. Agree that you'll discuss parenting differences privately, never in front of your child or during an incident.
What's Coming Up
Vocabulary is about to explode. Many toddlers jump from 10 words to 50+ over the next few months. Running will become more confident. And you're heading toward the one-nap transition, which changes daily schedule logistics significantly. Also on the horizon: the 18-month pediatrician visit with developmental screening.
Quick Reference Box
Age
15 months
Key milestone
Pointing to communicate, first words (range is wide), "no" appears
Dad priority
Establish consistent discipline approach with partner
Source
CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early
Sources: CDC Developmental Milestones (cdc.gov/act-early/milestones), American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on toddler development, American Academy of Pediatrics effective discipline guidance
American Academy of Pediatrics — toddler development guidance
American Academy of Pediatrics — effective discipline guidance
Medical Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.