Dr. Hasan Merali came to admire toddlers when he began working with kids in a hospital emergency department. Seeing their remarkable resilience, optimism, and courage in the face of adversity led him to think about ways we as adults can learn from these young people. The result is his great book, “Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life.” On this fun Blue Sky episode, Dr. Merali shares many of these secrets, from being good at saying no, finishing meals when full, taking risks, and sleeping well with consistent bedtime rituals.

Order Dr. Merali's new book here.

Chapters:

03:06 Pediatrics and Inspiration from Children
Dr. Merali shares his journey into pediatrics, inspired by the resilience and optimism of children facing medical challenges, highlighting the valuable life lessons adults can learn from toddlers’ approach to life.

05:02 Toddlers’ Worldview and Happiness
Exploration of toddlers’ world filled with wonder, empathy, and honesty, emphasizing the lessons adults can learn from toddlers about kindness, generosity, and genuine happiness.

09:03 Toddler Teachings on Kindness and Happiness
Exploration of how toddlers’ innate kindness and generosity contribute to their happiness, with insights on how adults can experience deeper happiness through acts of kindness and sharing.

10:20 Eating Habits: Lessons from Toddlers
Insights into toddlers’ natural ability to self-regulate food intake based on hunger cues, contrasting with adult tendencies to eat for reasons beyond hunger, highlighting the benefits of mindful eating.

12:03 Resilience and Trust in Toddlers
Exploration of toddlers’ resilience and trust in others, exemplified by their natural empathy and trusting nature, emphasizing the positive impact of these traits on building relationships and facing challenges.

15:30 The Humor and Reading Cliffs
Discussion on the decline in laughter and reading habits with age, exploring the benefits of humor and reading for maintaining optimism and cognitive health throughout life.

17:14 Lifelong Learning and Deep Reading
Emphasis on the importance of lifelong learning and deep reading, inspired by toddlers’ curiosity and love for books, highlighting the cognitive benefits of reading and its impact on mental well-being.

19:39 Positive Self-Talk and Bedtime Routine
Insights into the power of positive self-talk inspired by toddlers’ natural self-affirmations, along with the benefits of a structured bedtime routine for promoting better sleep and mental well-being in adults.

28:09 The Power of Saying No
Learn about the benefits of saying no and how toddlers can teach us the importance of setting boundaries and managing our commitments. Explore the concept of exerting control over our schedules and the value of being assertive in decision-making.

31:36 Risk-Taking and Quick Decision Making
Explore how toddlers excel in making quick decisions and taking risks guided by learning, relationships, and empathy. Understand the benefits of embracing risk-taking and making swift decisions in personal and professional growth.

33:05 Confidence and Optimism
Discover how toddlers exhibit high levels of confidence and optimism even in the face of setbacks. Learn about the importance of maintaining confidence and optimism in adulthood for personal development and success.

40:45 Applying Toddler Behavior in Work Life
Understand how toddler behavior can positively impact teamwork and communication in the workplace. Explore the benefits of incorporating play, direct communication, and teamwork inspired by toddler attributes into professional settings.

44:07 Parenting and Embracing Toddlerhood
Reflect on the challenges and rewards of parenting toddlers, emphasizing the importance of appreciating and learning from toddler behavior. Consider the value of embracing the toddler spirit in both parenting and personal development.