Do you want to raise your children into innovative and intelligent people? Then you should continue reading this blog!
It goes without saying that every parent wants the very best for their children. They want them to be successful, happy, and in good health, as well as intelligent and competitive to be independent and confident.
Not to mention here that a variety of factors influence success, but one of the most crucial aspects is unquestionably your child’s cognitive capabilities. Thankfully, studies and many practical literature and guidebooks such as Your Baby’s Brain, Intellect, and You have shown that there are practical ways to support your child’s intellectual development from the very beginning.
And by taking these actions, you can help your child succeed in life by providing them with a stimulating environment and encouraging their cognitive development.
Start Early
Starting early is the first step to enhancing your child’s intelligence. According to S. H. Jacob, PhD, a renowned specialist in cognitive development and the author of Your Baby’s Brain, Intellect, and You, this entails that the earlier you start stimulating your child’s brain, the better and well-prepared your child will be for the future. He further addresses that the most critical period for a child’s brain development is from birth to three years of age. Experiences during this period can have a long-lasting effect on a child’s cognitive abilities because the brain is forming connections at a rapid rate. Therefore, it is critical to start early and help your child develop and strengthen cognitive skills. Consider trying the following ways:
- Speak to your child.
- Assist your child in learning the names of objects.
- Let your kids wander around and take in the world.
- Humming and reading to your infant.
- React to your child’s response.
Encourage Curiosity
According to research, babies are naturally curious from the moment they are born. They are naturally curious about the world and their surroundings and want to learn about it. A study in the journal Child Development found that babies as young as three months old preferred novel stimuli, demonstrating an innate curiosity and desire to discover new things. You can help your child explore the same by providing them with a secure and engaging environment. A good example can be exploratory toys like blocks, puzzles, and sensory items. You can also take your infant on strolls and other outings to expose them to new situations and surroundings.
Read to Your Baby
A study in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that reading to infants positively affected their language and cognitive growth. Another study by The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents should read aloud to their children from birth because this early exposure to language and literature can have a lasting effect on a child’s cognitive and language development. Reading, therefore, is another way to help your infant develop a more healthy brain and mental exposure. Even though your infant might not understand the words, they still gain from the experience. Reading to your child stimulates their brain and supports language development. Additionally, it fosters a close relationship between you and your infant as they grow older.
Play Music
Music is yet another effective way to increase your baby’s intelligence from the earliest. According to research, listening to music can promote the growth of cognitive abilities such as language, memory, and spatial awareness. You don’t have to be a musician or need fancy musical devices to introduce music to your child. Simply singing lullabies to your baby or playing music in the background can have a positive effect.
Initiate The Talk
Studies have revealed that infants also favor baby talk. Stanford University researchers discovered that infants prefer to be talked to in baby talk or parentese. Therefore, engaging with your child in a conversation using baby talk is another way to boost their cognitive skills. Your baby may not be able to respond, but they are still getting something out of the conversation (See their adorable reaction and body gestures, for instance). Additionally, talking to your baby stimulates their brain and aids in language development. You can discuss anything with your baby, including what you are doing and observing and why you love them so much. It will all help them to be more competent in the future.
Breastfeed Your Baby
In addition to being good for your baby’s physical health, breastfeeding is also beneficial for their cognitive development. Breast milk contains antibodies that aid in defending a child against a variety of illnesses and infections. Research has shown that breastfed kids are also less likely to get allergies or obesity and have better cognitive health. Furthermore, breastfeeding for at least six months can help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), an unexpected cause of death that takes over 3,400 infants in the United States annually.
Limit Screen Time
Even though technology can be a helpful tool for parenting and learning, it is crucial to limit your baby’s screen time. A number of studies have suggested that excessive screen time can be harmful to your baby’s physical and cognitive development. Therefore, it is essential to limit screen time and provide your baby with real-world experiences and interactions, such as interactive toys and bubbling blocks.
In conclusion, there are many ways to boost your baby’s intelligence from day one. However, it is essential always to be attentive and focused. Because we, as parents, have the responsibility to nurture our children. We hope that this blog will help you to be the best parents. However, if you need more assistance, you can always count on Your Baby’s Brain, Intellect, and You, a purposive guidebook for parents, teachers, caretakers, and guardians to raise and grow confident and intelligent children.