Behind the White Coat: Author Hasan Merali reveals the toddler traits that can help adults lead healthier lives

In anticipation of his book launch, we sat down with Dr. Hasan Merali, associate professor of pediatrics at McMaster University, to discuss the inspiration for his upcoming book, “Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas – Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life.” We explored how his work as an emergency medicine doctor at McMaster Children’s Hospital provided fresh insights into toddler behaviour and how these insights extend to adult health and wellbeing.

Department of Pediatrics (DP): What motivated you to write this book?

Dr. Hasan Merali (HM): With over 10 years of experience in pediatric medicine, I’ve gained a deep understanding of how children engage with the world. Toddlers and preschoolers have always fascinated me. These remarkable young minds focus on building relationships, learning, acting kindly, and displaying an incredible ability to ask questions and take risks. Witnessing these traits in children, I realized how they could enhance our well-being as adults, providing valuable lessons for us all.

DP: How has your experience as a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital and a researcher at McMaster University informed the direction of this book?

HM: My clinical interactions with patients inspired the lessons discussed in the book. As a researcher, I delved into literature on topics like teamwork, to better understand toddler behaviour. By reviewing and applying adult data, I built a foundation to demonstrate how toddler behaviour can help us. The book is grounded in science but written for a general audience.

DP: Can you share a story or moment that you experienced with a patient and/or their family that inspired the content of your book?

HM: Once, I was caring for an older child who was accompanied by her parents and three-year-old sister, Olive. After I finished assessing her sibling, Olive and I got to chatting and I asked her what she was planning to do for the rest of the day. She told me she was going to visit her aunt in Toronto. When I asked how she was going to get there, she simply said, “I will ride a bike.” Her parents and sister had slightly puzzled looks on their faces, but Olive was confident in her plan.

Olive probably didn’t know which direction to go in or have the energy to bike from Hamilton to Toronto, but I truly admired her confidence. Olive inspired a chapter on the benefits of risk-taking and confidence for adults.

DP: What are some traits that toddlers display that adults should emulate?

HM: There are so many, from their laughter to mindful eating, to their emphasis on play. But one often overlooked trait is their remarkable use of self-talk.

If you’ve ever spent time with a toddler, you’ll notice they speak to themselves out loud quite a bit. This is called private speech, and it helps them with problem-solving tasks.

Adults can harness this technique, with research demonstrating its effectiveness with learning, emotional regulation, and even scoring more shots in basketball. While it doesn’t have to be out loud and can be inner speech, self-talk techniques, especially if we refer to ourselves in the second or third person, are incredibly powerful.

DP: How has writing this book influenced your own medical practice or perspectives?

HM: Initially, I had a short list of ways toddler habits could improve adult lives. Through the process of studying and writing this book, I’ve discovered countless ways in which toddler behaviour could consistently enhance adult health and wellness. I now actively engage with toddlers wherever I am because I know they are among the best teachers.

For more, watch Dr. Merali’s guest appearance on Breakfast Television here and follow Dr. Merali on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook, or visit his website here.