How to build your child’s brain

All babies have potential because intelligence can manifest in many different forms. The famous psychologist Howard Gardner hypothesized that there are 9 intelligences including: logic – mathematics, language, music, space, introspection, movement, nature, society, philosophy.

Gardner argues that most people have a superior intelligence that significantly impacts how they interact with others and the world around them. Each individual has a different learning style and excels in different fields. Therefore, every child is intelligent in his own way, parents need to identify and nurture based on their intelligence. Many studies show that the early years of a child’s life are pivotal in determining how the brain develops.

According to Dr. Ronald F. Ferguson of Harvard University and Tatsha Robertson, the author of the book The Formula: Unlocking the Secrets to Raising Highly Successful Children (Recipe: Unlock the secret of successful parenting), influential parenting methods include: encouraging children’s independence but intervening when necessary; introduce new ideas and possibilities to a child, teaching them to persevere in finding solutions to problems; make strategic parenting choices based on their unique needs.

Parents should also be aware that many factors can affect a child’s ability to respond to each developmental milestone at a given time, including: genetics, sex, nutrition, general health body, age adjusted. Each child may develop faster or slower in some areas than others. Here are ways parents can support their children’s brain development according to their ability.

Take care of yourself during pregnancy

Babies’ brain development begins while they are still in the womb. Proper nutrition; Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs can help your child reach his or her full potential. Regular maternal care during pregnancy can help prevent complications, premature or premature birth that can affect the baby’s brain.

Meeting children’s basic needs

Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs hierarchy suggests that five types of human needs determine an individual’s behavior. Those needs include: physiological, safety, love, self-esteem, self-actualization. In particular, at the bottom of the pyramid are basic physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter. At the top of the pyramid is the need for self-actualization.

This also applies when it comes to parenting. To achieve optimal development, children need to eat, sleep, and love. They will not reach their full potential until these basic needs are met. Therefore, feeding or sleeping is the right time for parents to spend with their baby.

Play with your child

Spending time playing with children can help build the bond between parent and child, laying the foundation for other relationships. It’s also a way for your child to practice important social-emotional, communication, and cognitive skills. Parents should not ignore this even with babies.

Let your child get enough sleep

Sleep is important because it strengthens memories, helps us integrate experiences, and gathers more knowledge. Sleep is especially important for babies because their brains are constantly developing and processing information.

Provides the necessary nutrients

What is essential for a child’s optimal brain development is proper nutritional needs. During the first year of life, most nutrients come from breast milk or formula. Parents need to make sure to breastfeed or drink milk regularly and enough. As your baby transitions to solid foods, make sure foods are colorful with different food groups.

Read books with your child

Parents can read books to their children even while they are still in the womb. This shouldn’t affect a child’s development, but will help establish a pattern of reading together that can be beneficial as children get older.

Books create opportunities to learn languages, connect with caregivers, and interact with knowledge. Parents need to be aware that interaction between you and your child is an important part of education. Combine books with cuddles and songs to help children develop their brains.

Talk to me

The number of words parents expose their children to affects their vocabulary. Research shows that talking regularly with your child can also increase a child’s nonverbal abilities such as reasoning and understanding numbers.

Regular positive conversations with children will help them improve their overall development, including better behavior, less anxiety, and more confidence. In addition, music is also another form of language, related to brain development.

Choose the right toy

Toys can help children master new skills. By choosing toys that are developmentally appropriate, parents can give their children a reasonable challenge. Mastering different ways of playing with toys can help children gain confidence, enhance spatial awareness, and develop cognitive abilities. However, adults should not buy too many toys for children if available toys encourage learning and development.

Limit the use of electronic devices

Many studies prove that the use of electronic devices has a negative impact on the brain development of children. Children 2-5 years old should only watch phones and TV for up to an hour a day, with adult supervision to help them connect with the real world and understand what they are watching.

Exercise regularly

Exercise is important for mental and physical health. Exercise helps release endorphins, which can fight feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also build confidence, boost self-esteem, and build cognitive skills.

Help children discover

During the first few years of life, children need to spend a lot of time working on gross motor skills (using large muscle groups in the arms, legs, and trunk) and fine motor skills (using the small muscles that control the hands and feet). , fingers to perform difficult movements). To develop these skills, children need opportunities to touch, move, and explore their surroundings.

Even when children are older, they can still learn a lot of vocabulary and knowledge from life. Provide children with practical examples, specific contexts to help them perceive information and gain experience.

Chau Vu (Follow Healthline)