Toddlers and Self-Talk

Introduction

• Hosts: Neil and Beth
• Programme: 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English
• Topic: Toddlers and what adults can learn from them
• Duration: 6 minutes

Defining Toddlers

• Age Range: Usually between 2 and 4 years old
• Developmental Stage: Learning to walk (also known as 'toddling')
• Challenges: Known as the 'terrible twos' due to frequent tantrums
• Positive Aspects: Exciting time for personality development

Question of the Day

• Question: Which statement about toddlers is true?
  • A. Toddlers are attracted to shapes that resemble the human body
  • B. Toddlers are more active than at any other time in their lives
  • C. Toddlers can grow up to three centimeters during sleep time
• Beth's Answer: C. Toddlers can grow up to three centimeters while they sleep

Dr. Hasan Merali's Insights

• Book: 'Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas'
• Observation: Toddlers often talk to themselves out loud, known as self-talk
• Examples:
  • Julie putting on her gloves says, "Julie can do it"
  • Coltan notices his boots are on the wrong way and comments "Oh, Coltan did this wrong!"
• Importance of Self-Talk: Reduces stress in anxiety-provoking situations

Understanding Self-Talk

• Definition: The messages you tell yourself and the manner in which you tell them – your inner voice
• Toddlers: Typically have positive and encouraging self-talk
• Adults: Often have more critical and less encouraging self-talk
• Issue: This negativity can lead to a negative cycle of thoughts

Advice from Dr. Merali

• Solution for Adults: Talk to yourself as if you are talking to a good friend
  • Encourages positive self-talk
  • Breaks the cycle of negative self-talk

Correct Answer to the Question

• Correct Answer: B. Toddlers are more active than at any other time in their lives
• Reasoning: Activity levels are highest in toddlerhood, observable in everyday life

Key Vocabulary

• Toddler: A young child learning to walk
• Tantrum: A noisy, uncontrolled outburst of anger, usually from a young child
• Out loud: Speaking in a way that other people can hear
• Self-Talk: Inner messages and the tone in which you tell them
• Down on yourself: Feeling disappointed and self-critical about oneself
• Negative Cycle: Repeating the same negative thoughts continuously

Conclusion

• Learning Point: Adults can benefit from adopting toddlers' positive self-talk
• Next Steps: Tune in next time for more discussions and vocabulary

Ending: Goodbye from Neil and Beth