Have you ever wondered if intelligence is an inherited gift or can it be nurtured by right environment? As a parent, you must know that while being intelligent clearly has genetic reasons, science has proved that certain approaches boost learning and mental developments in young minds.
Learn here some sure shot ways to boost your child’s brainpower.
Make Them Play Brain Games
Games are fun and can promote strategic thinking in your child. Games like chess, crosswords, cryptograms, riddles, and Sudoku teach your child problem-solving and complex decision-making abilities. Their brain will perform mental gymnastics with such games. Challenge your child to beat you at these brainteasers.
Get Them Enrolled in Music Class
According to a study by University of Toronto researchers, organized music lessons appear to benefit children’s IQ and academic performance—and the more years the student takes lessons, the greater the effect. The study found that taking music lessons in childhood was a clear predictor of better grades in high school and a higher IQ in adulthood. Ask your child to play violin for you when you have headache. Errr! Don’t, the headache might increase.
Breast-feed Your Baby
There is a reason why health experts and government campaigns press upon the need of breast-feeding the babies for at least 6 months. Research consistently has shown that breast-feeding has multiple benefits for growing infants. It prevents dangerous infections and provides essential nourishment. According to Danish researchers, breast-feeding can make babies both healthier and smarter. Make this early investment.
Encourage Physical Activity
Research by Oppenheimer Funds shows that participating in organised sports fosters confidence, teamwork and leadership. Similarly, Studies by University of Illinois researchers have shown a strong relationship between fitness scores and academic achievement among primary school children. Take them for a walk after dinner instead of retiring to TV.
Let Them Play Video Games
Video games have a bad reputation with parents. But they help develop children’s strategic thinking and planning skills and the ones that promote teamwork or creativity. Pick out the one that are not violent, solitary and mindless. A recent study conducted at the University of Rochester found that participants who played video games recognized and learned visual cues much faster than their non-video-game-playing counterparts.
Ditch the Junk Food
The magic trick for your child’s amazing mental and motor development- Cut out sugar, trans fats and other junk food from your child’s diet and replace them with high-nutrient alternatives. This is especially important in the first two years of their lives. Studies show that poorly nourished children have trouble fighting infections, which causes them to miss school and fall behind their peers.
Let Their Curiosity Nurture
Seeking knowledge is important for children. Parents who encourage their child to explore new ideas teach them valuable lessons. Ask them questions, teach them new skills and take them on educational outings to support their hobbies and interests, and to help them develop their intellectual curiosity.
Breed a Champion with Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A strong body of research dating back to the 1970s shows that eating breakfast improves memory, concentration and learning. And children who don’t eat breakfast tend to tire easier, be more irritable and react less quickly than those who begin the day with a solid meal.
Kids start learning from infancy. No age is young enough to start learning. Children, who start learning early, have a healthy and sharp brain. Read to your child from an early age and keep the house stocked with books.
