We live in an age of progress and modernity. Therefore, parents want to know how to boost their children’s intellectual development. Thankfully, this doesn’t necessarily mean piles of books. There are foods and engaging activities that can enhance your children’s intelligence. We introduce them to you.
How We Can Make Our Children Smarter
Intellect-boosting products and educational programs flood the market. They promise to turn children into prodigies. At the same time, science supports their usefulness. For example, blocks help children develop cognition, while board games boost preschool maths skills. However, many prove to be ineffective. Instead, children learn best by interacting with human beings.
Then, there is a folk belief that praising children develops their self-esteem and academic performance. Many studies prove the opposite – praising children makes them insular.
Research also reveals that parents who believe intelligence to be a fixed trait are likely to have children who won’t succeed in school. Also, children’s beliefs in stereotypes, such as girls having strong language skills and that Asians are maths prodigies, may undermine a child’s academic performance.
Foods to Boost Your Children’s Intellectual Development
A child can develop their cognition if they eat the right foods. A proper diet is necessary for your children to empower their brains. Yours will stock up on brain power if they consume these.
1. Greek Yogurt
First of all, is Greek yogurt, a favorite everywhere in the world because of its potential benefits. It contains healthy fat, calcium, and protein. The healthy fat in it will develop your young ones’ brain cells. It also has probiotics to build a defense against bacteria. Greek yogurt is also the perfect introduction to solid foods.
2. Avocado
Another first food favored by parents is avocado. Like Greek Yogurt, it is full of healthy fat, minerals, and vitamins. Research shows that avocado is one of the foods that foster a child’s intellectual development. It has a soft texture, making it easy to swallow.
3. Cheese
Also on this list is everyone’s favorite dairy product, cheese. Soft Cheeses are more palatable than hard ones. They are also lighter in texture. Your children could eat them on their own or mix them with fruit. According to this study, it’s also one of the foods that contribute to a child’s intellectual development.
4. Whole Grain Porridge
You can pound whole grains such as oatmeal, barley, and quinoa into a fine powder. Then, boil them with water. Mix it with milk, fruit, or yogurt once cooked. They offer fiber and protein.
5. Eggs
Egg yolk has cholesterol, which forms the outer lining of brain cells. They are nutritious and digestible. They also contain selenium and Vitamin B12, basic compounds for organ development. According to this research, eggs play a large part in promoting brain growth.
6. Nut Butter
Nut butter is a rich source of protein, fat-soluble vitamins, and healthy fat. The different nuts in it, like pecan, almond, and cashew, contain these elements. Furthermore, nuts have Quercetin, which stimulates brain activity. They work best in young children.
You may mix nut butter into your baby’s cereal, applesauce or yogurt. The awareness of nut butter has grown, so sunflower seed butter is becoming increasingly popular. The Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology states that you can make it a part of a child’s diet as early as six months.
8. Lentils
Lentils are a wholesome, widely accepted food around the world. They are a rich source of fiber, iron, and protein. These vegetables are easy to prepare, and you can quickly turn them into purees. They are light legume options.
9. Leafy Green Vegetables
Children dislike vegetables, almost as a tradition. Use them as a blend so that your young ones will tolerate them. Blend them with carrots or apples. They have lutein and Vitamin K, which stimulate brain activity. Eating fruits like apples boosts a child’s intellectual development.
10. Salmon
A child’s growing brain needs DHA. This omega-3 fatty acid is crucial for the development of a baby’s brain.
Cognitive Activities to Boost Your Children’s Intellectual Development
As a parent, you can encourage your children’s intellectual development viz concentration, attention, and memory by introducing some simple activities. They’ll build their self-confidence as well.
1. Sing-a-long
The first one on our list of intellect-boosting activities is the tried-and-true sing-along. Play your children’s favorite songs and sing along with them. Do this regularly, and you’ll soon find them singing by themselves.
2. Ask questions
Asking your children questions will get them to think. For example, asking “Why must we tidy up the beds every morning?” will get them to appreciate the importance of being neat.
As your children grow into their schooling years, ask questions while they do their homework. Doing this will make them more aware of the things that they are thinking about and learning.
3. Practice the alphabet
Sing the alphabet song regularly and get your children to play with alphabet puzzles like this one. Cut out squares that feature each alphabet, and mix them. Go through each letter and encourage your kids to search for items in the home that begin with each alphabet.
4. Counting
Find opportunities to practice counting with your kids. For example, you can get them to count the number of shoes they have. They may count the number of swings in the playground as well. However, be careful – your young ones may soon start counting everything.
5. Shapes and colors
Interact with your children and get them to identify shapes and colors. For example, you can say “That blue ball is round,” when you see one. Or say “That is a red, octagon sign” when you see it. Get your children to describe objects to you.
6. Choices
Offer your children choices when you can. Get them to choose between red and blue shoes. They could also choose between bacon and ham sandwiches for lunch. Your young ones will learn to make decisions.
7. Identifying noises
Get your children to recognize and identify the sounds they hear throughout the day. They will begin to relate to objects in their everyday environment.
8. Visit interesting places
Take your children to the museum, library or farmer’s market. Ask questions while they explore the area around them, and gauge their reactions. They may gain learning experiences.
9. Play with everyday objects
Playing with the items in your home is both cost-effective and educational. Get your kids to match lids to pots. They could look in a mirror and point to parts of their body.
10. Games
Finally, play a range of games with them. You can play Peek a Boo with your young kids. Engage them by playing Hide and Seek.
In all, your children should eat a variety of foods and engage in a range of activities to boost their intellectual development.
