Your toddler at 14 months

Doing what his friends: do It’s not just teenagers who are influenced by their friends... His desire to copy his friends’ behaviours can start to take hold at this stage. He’ll show you a new skill you have not taught him or maybe something not so nice like pushing and shoving! He will be picking things up from his peers at nursery – it’s all a natural part of his social development. You just need to encourage and reinforce the good behaviours.

Placing objects: He will love putting things in pots, moving things around, even building towers. He’ll drive you to distraction emptying cupboards – so you need to develop ‘putting in’ games.

Waving bye-bye: As well as being able to use ‘Mama’ and ‘Dada’ intentionally, he’ll also start waving you on your way.

How you can help your toddler this month

Copying him: He will love it when you copy what he is doing, joining in with his train noises and getting down on the ground with him to push a toy around. Bright smiles and eye contact will reinforce your relationship with him, and pave the way for shared activities down the line. But remember, only mimic the good behaviours!

Your toddler’s health

New shoes! If he’s been walking for about 6 weeks, it’s now a good time to think about some proper shoes for him. Most paediatricians and podiatrists agree that a first walking shoe should be flexible and thin, so he can feel the ground beneath him. Ensure you get his shoes properly fitted – so go somewhere that knows how to fit young children’s shoes and avoid shopping when he is tired or hungry.

Play ideas for your toddler

Role play toys: Find him toys that allow him to take control of his own world in miniature – a doll to put in a buggy or cup and saucer for his teddy.

Stacking toys: Encourage his love of packing and unpacking with a set of cups to stack or boxes to fill and empty.

Your child’s development may not be exactly the same as these descriptions since all children will develop at their own pace. This is an approximate guide of some of the new skills your little one may be developing. If you have any concerns, always speak to your health visitor or GP.