217. Inside the Toddler Mind: What Adults Can Learn from Tots

What if the key to happiness lies in thinking like a toddler? Dr. Lia Gaggino's Pediatric Meltdown podcast features Dr. Hasan Merali, who unveils the wisdom hidden in toddler behavior. Uncover the science behind child development, learning how to handle toddler tantrums and why the "terrible twos" might be a misnomer. Dr. Merali offers unique parenting tips, from encouraging kindness to establishing sleep routines. Explore how childhood creativity can enhance adult life, and gain strategies for improving work-life balance. This episode challenges conventional wisdom about child behavior, offering fresh perspectives on fostering kindness and learning from kids. This episode will leave you eager to embrace your inner toddler and find joy in life's little moments. [00:33 -11:26]  Toddler Brain Development and Adult LearningThe less-developed prefrontal cortex allows toddlers to live in the momentToddlers have enhanced visual attention, noticing tiny details adults might missYoung children think differently due to fewer preconceived notionsToddlers exhibit twice as much laughter as adults[11:27 - 22:28]  Positive Mindset: Reframing Tantrums and Embracing Toddler Traits  The median time for a toddler tantrum is 3 minutes, occurring on average once a dayChanging vocabulary from "Terrible Twos" to "Terrific Twos" promotes learning from toddlersToddlers have a basic tendency to be nice to others, even when faced with selfish behaviorToddlers focus on building relationships and learning[22:29 -30:14]  Self-Talk Strategies: Enhancing Adult Mental Well-beingSelf-talk is prevalent when kids are little, especially in the toddler preschooler ageThey use it to guide themselves through tasks and to encourage themselvesMRI studies show we can decrease our emotional reactivity if we talk to ourselves in 2nd and 3rd personInstead of "What am I feeling right now," ask "What is [your name] feeling right now?"[30:15 - 39:18]  Toddler Sleep Routine for Better Adult SleepNo screens 1 hour before bedtimeTake a hot bath or shower to cool down core body temperaturePerform a quiet activity, preferably readingPlug your phone in a different room, not beside your bed[39:19 - 45:41]  Closing segment TakeawayYou can reach Dr. Hasan MeraliLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasan-merali/X: https://twitter.com/Hasan_MeraliFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HasanMeraliMD/Links to resources mentioned on the showDr. Merali, website: HasanMerali.comBook:  Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas:  Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier and More Successful  Way of Life:  https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Well-Take-Risks-Squish/dp/0757324711 NYT Article: <a...

Fecha de Publicación: 23 de octubre de 2024

Duración: 46 min