Who doesn’t like their kids to be smart? However, we often find ourselves helpless when our children are having a hard time to learn something. We simply do not know what to do to improve their learning capabilities. Thankfully, this never happened to us, as my children have an amazing godmother in their aunt. My sister-in-law is a doctor. When we had our first child, she let us in on the secrets to a smart child. They have worked wonders on my both children, and I plan to share them with you. But, you should be equally willing to learn, and change yourself.
The first and foremost thing to do is to interact with the children as much as possible, especially during the infant phase. Kids who were not cuddled, loved, or played with, exhibit stunted growth in the later years. The loving connection between the infants or kids with their parents forms the basis for development of their higher thinking skills. For instance, children who have a lot of interaction with their parents, tend to learn to speak much earlier than others.
Inculcate reading habits in them. Remember, a well-read person is equipped with skills and knowledge that can take them far ahead in life. Instead of reading to them, read with them. Ask them to read a few lines or some dialogues in their own tone. I always brought books for my kids that stoked their imagination. I brought them a variety of books until they began to tell me what kind of books they liked in particular.
Provide them a peaceful atmosphere for sleeping. It is important that they get enough sleep, preferably around 7 to 8 hours a day. Compromising on sleep slows down the process of psychological development and makes them stupid. In some cases, a kid with deprived sleep may have a mental age up to 2 years younger than their physical age.
Scientists hold willpower on a higher pedestal than IQ. It is actually the willpower that decides between the success and failure of a person. Try and develop a strong sense of willpower in your kids. I and my wife often challenged our children to go a few hours, a day, or even a week, without playing on the Playstation. We have made a whole list of ways in which we encourage them to give up something that they would rather have enjoyed right then and there. Of course, they were rewarded for their efforts. As a result, they hardly throw any tantrums when we deny them something that they found fancy at the supermarket. They have better control over emotions.
Art lessons can have an unusual effect on children’s brains. Things like painting, music, dance, and so on can fire up parts of the brain that are otherwise not used much. Also, creative work involved in art helps build new neuron networks in the brain, which improves the ability of the brain to find innovative solutions to problems.
It is remarkable how a human brain works and not much about it is yet completely understood. But, the above techniques are known to have a positive impact on a child’s mind, and can make them really smart in the long run. At least, I and my children have enjoyed their benefits.
