How to Ensure Your Child Becomes Smarter: 8 Proven Methods

As parents, we all want our children to succeed in life. One of the ways to ensure that they do so is to help them become smarter. Thankfully, as global studies have shown, children are now far smarter than their grandparents. This is great news, but how can we ensure that our children continue to develop their intelligence? Here are eight proven methods to help your child become smarter.

1. Enroll Them in a Sport

Physical activity is good for our health, but it can also make our children smarter. According to the American Psychological Association, people who exercise pick up new words and vocabulary 20% faster. This is especially important in a child’s early years when they are learning to pronounce new words, construct sentences, and communicate with both peers and adults. Enrolling your child in a sport can help them improve their language and cognitive development.

2. Involve Them in Your Hobby

Active learning is important for a child’s development. When you involve your child in your hobby, whether it’s baking, knitting, or playing music, they can learn basic skills that will set them up for early education. This can include following instructions and enhancing their hand-eye coordination. Additionally, it can help them develop a passion for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.

3. Follow Their Lead

Children are more likely to learn and progress when they are interested in something. When your child shows interest in a particular activity or topic, help them follow their passion. Encourage them to learn more and to explore their interests. This approach can help them improve their cognitive skills and become smarter.

4. Let Them Sleep

Sleep is vital for brain development. It aids learning and even naps have been shown to have substantial benefits, such as the ability to retain information. Children, like adults, need a good amount of sleep. It can improve their attention span, making it easier for them to focus and learn in school. Ensure that your child gets adequate sleep to aid their cognitive development.

5. Praise Them for Not Giving Up

The secret to long-term success is persistence. Not everyone is naturally gifted with book-smarts, but by sticking at something and being persistent, we’re more likely to achieve our goals. Encourage your child to learn from their mistakes, pick themselves up and try again. By praising them for their persistence, you help them develop qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.

6. If They’re Happy, They’re Ready to Learn

A child who is happy is a child who is engaged and interested in their learning. Scientific studies have shown that social-emotional factors are critical to academic success. Encourage your child’s happiness by being a cheerful and supportive parent. By spending quality time with your child, you can create an environment that is conducive to learning.

7. Read With Them, Not to Them

Reading is an excellent way to improve a child’s language and cognitive development. Pointing to pictures and engaging in conversation while reading can enhance their understanding. By making reading an active learning experience, you can improve the whole experience. Make time for just 10 minutes of reading a day and have a variety of books and stories available.

8. Take Them for Music Lessons

Music lessons have been shown to improve IQ and offset the effects of aging. Many studies have shown positive links between music and mental well-being. By taking your child for music lessons, you can help them develop musical abilities that enhance their cognitive development. Whether they aspire to be a rock star or not, music lessons can set your child up for a healthy, happy life.

Conclusion

As global studies have shown, children are now far smarter than their grandparents. However, as parents, we can do more to ensure that our children become even smarter. By enrolling them in a sport, involving them in our hobbies, following their lead, letting them sleep, praising them for persistence, encouraging their happiness, reading with them, and taking them for music lessons, we can help them improve their cognitive skills and set them up for academic success.