Inside The Toddler Mind: What Adults Can Learn from Tots

October 23, 2024?

In today’s episode of "Pediatric Meltdown," I had a conversation with Dr. Hasan Murali, a pediatric emergency physician and author of "Sleep Well, Take Risks and Squish the Peas." Hasan’s insights provide a refreshing take on how observing and learning from toddlers can add a ton of value to our adult lives. From improved communication to better sleep habits, here are the three key takeaways from our discussion, accompanied by some quotes from Dr. Merali:.

1. Embracing Toddlers' Teamwork and Communication Skills Toddlers are often underestimated, pigeonholed into the infamous "terrible twos" stereotype. Yet, Dr. Merali sheds light on their amazing teamwork and communication abilities. Toddlers intuitively use clear communication and demonstration to help others, highlighting a “we” mindset.?

"Toddlers don’t blame others; they focus on the solution through cooperation and clear communication."

Imagining a toddler’s perspective in high-stress adult situations, like the workplace, can transform how we handle challenges. Their innate inquisitiveness and confidence could significantly improve our teamwork dynamics, fostering a more supportive and collaborative environment.

1. The Power of Positive Self-Talk Toddlers are known for their “private speech,” a form of self-talk guiding them through tasks and boosting their confidence. Dr. Merali emphasizes that adapting this practice in adulthood, by addressing ourselves in the second or third person, can effectively reduce emotional reactivity and combat stress. Drawing on Ethan Cross’s book "Chatter," he illustrates how framing self-talk as a conversation with a friend can mitigate negative thoughts.

"Changing your self-talk to resemble a conversation with a friend can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being."

Practical applications, like using positive affirmations during challenging scenarios, can be especially beneficial for medical students or anyone facing high-pressure environments. Employing supportive self-talk techniques ensures that we maintain confidence and stay connected without succumbing to excessive self-criticism.

1. Toddler-Like Sleep Hygiene One of the standout tips Dr. Merali offered revolves around sleep hygiene. Often, our adult routines are laden with screen time and stress, both detrimental to quality sleep. By adopting bedtime routines akin to those of toddlers, we can significantly enhance our sleep quality. Simple adjustments, like avoiding screens an hour before bed and engaging in quiet activities, can make a world of difference.

"Adopting toddler-like bedtime routines—avoiding screens, taking a hot bath, and reading quietly—can drastically improve an adult’s sleep quality."

Coupled with practical advice such as not keeping your phone by your bed and using a traditional alarm clock, these habits can pave the way for more restorative sleep. Given our culture’s craving for productivity, prioritizing healthy sleep practices can be a game-changer for our daily function and long-term health.

Reflection and Application: Learning from the Littlest Our conversation didn’t just stop at these three points. Dr. Merali’s broader discussion included the importance of kindness, the benefits of play, and the intriguing ways toddlers’ behaviors can enrich our adult lives. A child’s natural tendency to laugh, read, and engage in self-talk peaks during early years and regrettably declines as we age. Yet, reigniting these practices can bolster our personal well-being and professional efficiency.

If you missed this inspiring episode of "Pediatric Meltdown," I encourage you to listen to it in full. Dr. Merali’s blend of personal anecdotes, evidence-based insights, and actionable advice offers a compelling case for why we should all channel our inner toddlers.

Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on our website

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this:

• How are you incorporating toddler-like habits into your daily life?
• What changes will you make to improve your sleep hygiene?
• Add your voice to the conversation in a comment on the right.

With you in this important work,

Dr. Lia

P.S. If you found this newsletter helpful, please feel free to share it with your network. Together, we can make a positive impact on pediatric mental health!

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About Dr. Lia Gaggino

Dr. Lia Gaggino is a retired primary care pediatrician with a passion for children's mental health. She currently sits on the board of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is the host of the highly acclaimed Pediatric Meltdown podcast, offering insightful conversations with experts and practical strategies for healthcare professionals. With a mission to break down complex mental health issues affecting children, Dr. Lia aims to make a positive impact on the pediatric community. Dr. Lia is available for Speaking engagements as well as private consultations.

Be sure to check out Building Better Workflows; a limited audio series dedicated to optimizing your medical workspace for providing comprehensive mental health assessment, management, and processes to support both you and your patients. Each episode is a brief how-to designed to improve mental health workflows. Episodes include up-to-date information on suicide prevention, coding and billing, and even an episode dedicated to your well-being. A companion workbook is also available on the Pediatric Meltdown website.

Connect with her on Instagram at@pediatricmeltdown, and onFacebook andLinkedIn at Dr. Lia Gaggino.