Fillable General Pediatric Clinic / 15 Month Visit (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

GENERAL PEDIATRIC CLINIC / 15 MONTH VISIT

ANTICIPATORY GUIDANCE

F-01068G (01/11)

Page 2

Diet

Speech, Labeling

Pickiness is common. When given other than a favorite food, the

See "12 Month" Health Supervision.

child will not eat but will pick at the food and if not allowed to leave

until the plate is empty, the meal may take a long time or, more

The child should be using the intonations of his or her language

likely at this age, end with a crying child and a plate on the floor. If

and have several single words. Again, parents have to pick up

the child is really hungry, they will eat. With all the snacks children

these words and reinforce the child, each time he or she says

receive, they may not know the feeling of hunger. It will not hurt a

"ma" the mother should respond. Comprehension is ahead of

child to skip a meal rather than being forced to eat.

speech, and the child can understand short sentences, the

meaning of "no," and several directions.

Introducing new foods — The ease with which the child accepts

new foods depends upon the child's temperament. The one who

Safety

reacts strongly against anything new will refuse, while the one

who accepts new situations easily will eat if hungry. Both

Do not allow the child to climb up near the stove or touch the

extremes should still be offered new foods but not forced to

stove. The pot handles should be turned in, and parents urged to

accept it.

use back burners. All poisons should be out of reach, especially

medicines, which may have to be locked up as the gross motor

skills of climbing continues to improve. If the child goes toward the

Anticipatory Guidance

street, the parents need the emergency "NO" and on reaching the

Negativism — this is usually mild at this stage with a few temper

child, they should scold and bodily stop and remove the child from

tantrums, which are easily distracted or easily handled by ignoring.

the direction of his or her travels. This may have to be repeated

It is good to discuss these briefly so that if the child should exhibit

many times whenever the child is outside. Taking the child to his or

any negative behaviors, the parents can react appropriately. Sibling

her room may not be interpreted correctly by the child since the

rivalry is usually exhibited by an older sib towards this toddler who

street is out of sight and thus out of mind.

is becoming a more demanding person and explores into the

territory and belongings of the older child. If there is a newborn, this

MMR — the parents should be aware of the medical and legal

child is more likely to ignore the baby and demand his or her usual

reasons for giving these vaccines. The parents do have the ultimate

share of attention. The baby becomes part of the total environment

responsibility and choice for their child, although the health

to be explored and conquered. Similarly, a puppy or kitten is not an

professional may greatly influence this choice.

animal but part of the environment. Rough treatment of a puppy or

baby is no different than what the toddler does to the book or ball.

Lead Exposure

Look, touch, bite, sit on, and toss away are ways a toddler explores

the world.

See 12-month Form.

Obedience

If the child has had limits set for him or her for the past 3-6 months,

he or she knows the parents will prevent some activities. They will

continue to test the parents for their consistency but is more likely

to obey if this consistency is exhibited.

Expectations on Toilet Training

See “12 Month” Health Supervision.

A girl may become interested enough to sit on the toilet at 15

months. A few actually know the signals and will turn signal to the

parent. Most become aware of soiled diapers and want to be

changed. These girls may be placed on the toilet if there is regular

time for the bowel movement. If the child is dry after a nap, then

again, sitting on the toilet may catch the urine. The parents have to

know the child’s needs and have time to act immediately. Positive

reinforcement in the form of praise will lead to repeat performance.

Boys are not usually ready for toilet training at this age.

General Pediatric Clinic / 15 Month Visit Page 2

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