Toddler Talk

0 people commented
on this article

By Suzanne Dixon M.D., M.P.H.

"There is nothing so amazing as the development of a child," says Suzanne Dixon, M.D., a behavioral and developmental pediatrician who was one of the founding members of the Pampers Parenting Network. "Every day is a new adventure when you have a child around you. I never get tired of learning from the children who have been a part of my life, professionally and personally."

Suzanne Dixon, M.D., M.P.H., was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine. She did her pediatric training at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and then completed a fellowship in Child Development at Boston's Children's Hospital. Dr. Dixon joined the faculty at the University of California, San Diego, and did patient care, teaching, and research for 20 years. She ran a large newborn service, performed research in early child development, and was involved in many community outreach activities in maternal child health. Throughout her entire professional life she has maintained an interest in cross-cultural activities, living and working in many parts of the world, including Mexico, India, Kenya, Indonesia, and several countries from the former U.S.S.R.

Dr. Dixon is the author of numerous research articles, review articles, and textbook chapters in pediatrics, child and family development, and public health. Her textbook, written with Dr. Martin Stein, Encounters With Children: Pediatric Behavior and Development, has become a classic in child health education and is in its fourth edition. She is Editor in Chief of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, an international journal of high standing in the professional world. She also has served as an associate editor for Infant Mental Health and currently reviews for several major pediatric journals.

Dr. Dixon is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and served in national positions in that organization. She is a member of the Society for Pediatric Research, the Society for Research in Child Development, the American Public Health Association, and the Executive Council of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She serves as consultant to several national and international organizations and has received an award from Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies.

Dr. Dixon continues to lecture and consult worldwide on aspects of maternal, child, and family health. She practices behavioral and developmental pediatrics in Montana and works with local advocacy groups on education and women's health. Dr. Dixon has been married for over 30 years and has three sons. She and her husband travel frequently, are outdoor enthusiasts, and enjoy being amateur anthropologists

Read bio Hide bio Hide

Most parents talk too much or use unclear language when they discipline a small child. Too many words and vague complaints only confuse and overwhelm him. So keep it simple, following these guidelines:

Tell your child what he's done wrong for example, "No eating the plant."
Then tell him what to do instead "Go get your car" and go with him to do it.
Avoid vague phrases like "Stop that!" "Be good," "Settle down," or "Do as you're told." Little kids (and even some big ones) will have no idea what you mean.

Have a question about disciplining your child? Ask our experts.

Helpful Hint: Be wary of how you react when a child is running into the street. If you chase him he may tease you by running even faster. Consider a very loud "stop"! This may lead him to pause or slow down, enabling you to catch him.

Member comments

Dora® and Diego designs are great for boys and girls

Find out about: Pampers Splashers® Swim Pants for Boys and Girls

How old is your baby? | Development

Toddler Talk

You might also like

We're sorry...