A child is the greatest gift from God to parents, and the birth of a child requires parents to care for them in the best way possible in order to nourish their growth and provide them with a quality education. A child’s mental health and intelligence are important factors that contribute to their overall well-being and development.
What are the best ways to improve a child’s intelligence?
There are many parenting tips available out there, and it can be difficult to understand which ones to follow and which to avoid. Fortunately, there is a lot of scientifically based advice available. Behavioural psychologist Bryan Roche has shared some of the best tips to improve a child’s intelligence.
Feed them omega-3 fatty acids.
One way to potentially improve brain function in children is by providing them with sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil. These fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults and may have similar benefits for children. It is recommended to start giving children fish and other sources of omega-3, such as broccoli, spinach, walnuts, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries (though blueberries are a lesser source) as early as possible. You can also buy milk that has been fortified with omega-3; it tastes the same as ordinary milk. It is also important to encourage children to consume protein, as it contains essential amino acids that support brain function.
Talk with your children.
Another way to improve a child’s intelligence is through conversation. Regular, meaningful conversations with your child can not only strengthen the parent-child relationship, but also improve your child’s confidence and mental health. You can also try playing simple teaching games, such as asking your child to name or count objects, to boost their intelligence even further.
Read to your children.
According to psychologists, reading to children is extremely beneficial. Studies have shown that kids whose parents read to them most days have higher IQs. To make reading even more beneficial, try to make it a communication process rather than simply listening to the story. Use different voices and emotions as you read, and ask questions to make sure your child understands the story. For example, you could ask “What do you think he’s thinking?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
Encourage interpersonal intelligence.
It is important to help your children develop good interpersonal skills, such as being able to notice and understand the moods and feelings of others. You can encourage this by having regular conversations with your child about their relationships with others and by modeling good communication and social skills.
Consider music lessons.
Music can play a vital role in improving a child’s brain capabilities. Research has shown that children who take music lessons tend to have higher IQs compared to those who do not. In one study, children in music groups exhibited greater increases in full-scale IQ, with the effects being relatively small but generalized across IQ subtests, index scores, and a standardized measure of academic achievement.
Avoid sleep deprivation.
Lack of sleep can have a negative impact on a child’s brain development and intelligence. According to some research, missing just one hour of sleep can turn a sixth grader’s brain into that of a fourth grader. It is important to ensure that children get enough sleep to allow their brains to rest and grow.
Encourage willpower.
Willpower has been shown to be a key factor in an individual’s success. Studies have found that students with high levels of willpower tend to have better grades and are more likely to be admitted to selective schools. Willpower can be developed and strengthened through practice, so it is important to encourage children to persevere and work towards their goals. Some ways to help develop willpower in children include setting achievable goals, teaching them to regulate their emotions, and helping them learn to delay gratification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways that parents can support and encourage their child’s mental and emotional development. Providing children with sources of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, engaging in regular and meaningful conversations with them, reading to them, encouraging good interpersonal skills, and providing opportunities for music lessons are all ways that parents can help to improve a child’s intelligence. It is also important to ensure that children get enough sleep, develop willpower, and have access to educational materials and activities that are appropriate for their age and abilities. By following these tips and providing a supportive and stimulating environment, parents can help their children to reach their full potential and thrive.
