Toddler Wisdom: Parenting Lessons from Dr. Hasan Merali
Christopher Lewis, Ed.D
Higher Education and Digital Marketing and Digital Engagement Expert. I build community for dads to gain resources and skills to better themselves for their families.
LISTEN HERE: https://www.dadofdivas.com/podcast/toddler-wisdom-parenting-lessons-from-dr-hasan-merali
If you’re a father looking to deepen your relationship with your daughter and embrace all the wonder (and chaos) of parenthood, the latest episode of the “Dad and Daughter Connection” is a must-listen. This week, Christopher Lewis, Ed.D sits down with Hasan Merali, MD, MPH , a pediatric emergency medicine doctor, researcher, and author, for an insightful conversation that flips the script on how we view toddlers—and offers practical ways dads can cultivate meaningful bonds with their daughters.
Beneath the Tantrums: What Toddlers Can Teach Us
Toddlerhood is too often painted as a stormy sea of tantrums and “why” questions, but Dr. Merali’s experience—as both a physician and a dad—reveals something different: young children are bursting with curiosity, resilience, empathy, and joy. Drawing from his new book, Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life, Dr. Merali explores how toddlers’ natural enthusiasm and openness hold powerful lessons for adults.
He urges parents to recognize that tantrums are fleeting (just a few minutes a day!)—what really fills children’s time is laughing, learning, loving, and connecting. By tuning into these moments, dads can nurture strong, joyful relationships with their daughters.
Building Bonds Through Presence and Play
One standout theme from the episode is the value of intentional time together. Dr. Merali shares how his paternity leave—six months spent at home during the pandemic—allowed him and his daughter to connect without distractions. He also discusses family traditions, like a soothing bedtime routine and regular father-daughter hikes, that help anchor their relationship even during life’s busy or challenging seasons.
Crucially, Dr. Merali encourages dads to embrace play—rediscover what you loved as a child and share that joy with your daughter, whether it’s music, sports, or just being silly together. Kids thrive off connection and fun, and those experiences build trust that lasts.
Raising Confident, Curious Daughters
The conversation delves into giving children space to struggle, fail, and try again—because confidence is built through doing, not just succeeding. Dr. Merali reminds dads to maintain a sense of curiosity, to model positive self-talk, and to let their daughters take (safe) risks, developing independence one small step at a time.
If you want both encouragement and actionable strategies for being the dad your daughter needs, tune into this episode. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the best parenting wisdom might come from the littlest voices in our lives.
Listen to the full episode at Dad and Daughter Connection and start building an even stronger bond today.
LISTEN HERE: https://www.dadofdivas.com/podcast/toddler-wisdom-parenting-lessons-from-dr-hasan-merali
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1moNice! Sounds like a great episode to listen to!
Toddler promoter. Associate Professor at McMaster University.
1moThanks for having me on! What a great summary you wrote up as well, thank you. "Crucially, Dr. Merali encourages dads to embrace play—rediscover what you loved as a child and share that joy with your daughter, whether it’s music, sports, or just being silly together. Kids thrive off connection and fun, and those experiences build trust that lasts." 👍