Terrible twos, temper tantrums, and grocery store meltdowns are usually the first things that come to mind when people think of toddlers. But pediatric emergency medicine physician and researcher Dr. Hasan Merali (@HasanMerali) has long thought toddlers are among the best people in our society and adults could do well to learn from them. Toddlers act kindly toward strangers, are eager to work with others to solve problems, and demonstrate extraordinary dedication and perseverance. These are all traits that many of us aspire to have in order to improve both our personal and professional lives.
In this talk, Dr. Merali discusses two of the most important lessons we can learn from toddlers, kindness and play, and how behaving like a toddler can be the catalyst for having more fun and living a fulfilling life. Dr. Merali is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. His first book, Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life was published in March 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Toddlers have that side to them I’m sure but it’s not all sunshine and roses I remember in Hanukkah one of my two-year-old nephews stacking up as many potato latkes as he could get his hands on like gold and trying to hoard them for himself . . Suffice it to say he dealt with weight issues growing up . it’s also universal for a child to experience jealousy at a very young age when a new sibling is born which I exhibited very clearly with my hands crossed in photographs and a sour expression on my oh so sweet 2-year-old face.
Children are very individual. I agree that it is not always easy, and I would have liked a more differenciated view on this topic more in this TEDx Talk.
Great ted talk, yes toddlers are amazing little people. Never understood the term “terrible two’s” I always think of toddlers as happy, inquisitive, playful, innocently loving babies. They should be called the terrific two’s. Some of the best years i spent with my children and now blessed to be sharing with my grandson.
Thank you Dr. Hasan Merali
01:18 – Sharing brings happiness
03:02 – Giving evokes joy
04:13 – Memories inspire generosity
06:06 – Play reduces stress
07:04 – Fun boosts collaboration
08:09 – Think like a child
09:05 – Rediscover toddler traits
Ok. So he is hung?