Is intelligence an inherited gift or can it be nurtured and enhanced by the right environment? While intelligence clearly has a genetic component, scientific research is beginning to show that certain approaches boost learning and mental development in young minds.
1) Play mind games
Chess, crosswords, cryptograms, riddles—they all train the brain to perform mental gymnastics. brainteasers around the house and challenge your children to help you solve the trickier problems.
2) Make music
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.
3) Breast feed
Mother's milk is elemental brain food. It prevents dangerous infections and provides essential nourishment.
4) Foster fitness
Instead of retiring to the TV after dinner, consider throwing a ball around or going for a walk. Even better: Encourage your child to get involved in an organized physical activity or school sport.
5) Surprise! Play video games
Stick to the ones that develop children's strategic thinking and planning skills and the ones that promote teamwork or creativity. 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.
6) Junk the junk food
Cutting out sugar, trans fats and other junk food from your child's diet and replacing them with high-nutrient alternatives can do wonders for early childhood mental and motor development—especially in the first two years of life.
7) Nurture curiosity
Support your kids’ hobbies and interests by asking them questions, teaching them new skills and taking them on educational outings to develop intellectual curiosity.
8) Read!
Reading is a sure-fire, low-tech way to improve learning and cognitive developing in children of all ages.
9) Teach confidence
Especially in adolescence, children can fall prey to negative thinking that limits their potential. Child psychologists encourage parents to positively reinforce their kids with encouragement and optimistic assurances. Participation in team sports and other social activities also helps build
confidence.
10) Breakfast breeds champions
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.
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