We should stop calling this phase of life the ‘terrible twos’, as many toddlers’ traits are a formula for grown-up happiness
We insist on referring to toddlerhood as 'the terrible twos', when, in most ways, it really is a delightful stage of childhood. Photograph: iStock
“They are, in fact, incredibly gentle, loving souls, and are far more advanced in their thinking and actions on many issues when compared to adults.” We were all toddlers once, of course, but we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be one, and have since let “maturity” override some of the better characteristics. Dr Merali, who is an associate professor in emergency paediatric medicine at McMaster’s Children’s Hospital in Ontario, Canada, delves into the science behind toddlers’ most admirable attributes and encourages us all to think back in time and “make yourself the happier, healthier version of you that you once were”.
After observing the incredible generosity and kindness that toddlers have toward others, I am convinced that if they, or someone with a toddler mindset, were policymakers, many of our social injustice issues would be diminished or resolvedFinally he explains that these young children are right-brain dominant, and this part of the brain is more emotional, nonverbal and experiential.
Working in hospital, he has seen many examples of toddlers’ innate kindness, even in difficult circumstances, and their willingness to share without prejudice. In comparison, adult kindness is very inconsistent, he suggests. Yet, research shows that acts of kindness increase the sense of wellbeing in the giver, as well as benefitting the receiver.
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