It’s easy to believe that our children are either born intelligent or not, and that as parents, we have little influence over how intelligent they grow.
However, research has shown that nature vs. nurture in terms of IQ is around 50/50, which indicates that parental influence cannot significantly affect both how smart our children think they are and how brilliant they actually are.
This does not suggest that you should begin teaching your children arithmetic problems and other languages as soon as they are no longer in diapers.
Focus on actions that support a child’s developing mind and intellect rather than praising them for their innate intelligence or skill. Yes, you can raise intelligent kids, and here are nine tactics to get you started.
Communicate With Them From The Beginning
Talking to your kids is important for getting their minds flowing, especially if they are newborns.
Even if your kids are too young to comprehend what you’re saying or what the complex terminology you’re using mean, they’ll figure it out with enough repetition.
Additionally, by letting your kids know that their perspectives and individuality are appreciated, asking them open-ended questions will assist them in forming opinions and a sense of self.
Start Reading Books With Them Early
Start reading to your kids well before they can comprehend what the words mean since reading skill is a powerful predictor of academic achievement.
Reading is the cornerstone for all future learning, including math and science, and it stimulates the brain and broadens one’s understanding of the world.
To increase conversational and reading comprehension skills, make sure books are easily accessible in your house, model good reading habits by reading regularly in front of your child, and talk to your kids about what you’re both reading.
Teach Them to Solve Problems By Thinking Through Them
You shouldn’t deal with your kids’ issues. Encourage them to focus on a particular goal or issue and apply original thought to achieving or resolving it. Children learn that they can overcome obstacles on their own by participating in this activity, which activates the brain.
Appreciate Their Work and Outcomes
We live in a society where rewards for participation are common, yet teaching kids that they are always and naturally the best at everything makes it hard for them to accept life’s inevitable failures and disappointments.
Praise their efforts and hard work rather than their inherent traits. Children will therefore be more driven and able to advance when confronted with a talent that they do not naturally possess.
Children are more prone to feel frustrated and give up on difficult activities if they are told that they are naturally bright or brilliant.
Establish Expectations Early
Set some overarching goals for your children from a young age (such as graduating from college, taking part in extracurricular activities, or volunteering), and they’ll be more likely to see those goals as important and attainable. However, don’t become a drill sergeant, telling your children, “You will get an A on every single test.”
Encourage Them to Exercise
Along with making your child stronger and healthier, exercise also has a positive impact on their mental health since it strengthens their brain cells and improves blood flow to the area.
Look for Opportunities to Teach
Your youngsters will improve their mental sharpness only by being encouraged to engage in brain activities during downtime. When you pass a windmill at the grocery store, start a conversation about wind energy or ask them to count the limes. You might also ask them to search for letters or numbers on the road signs.
Instill a Growth Mindset in Them
Help your kids understand that learning is a process that takes effort and pays off; they will start out as beginners but get better over time. Then, instead of viewing tough tasks as failures for not becoming specialists right immediately, they will see them as chances for progress when they are faced with them.
Encourage Investigation and Curiosity
Although preschoolers are naturally interested, if that curiosity isn’t encouraged and developed, it might wane as they become older. Start by integrating them in topics that directly relate to their particular interests, whether it is a collection of action figures or their favorite YouTuber.
Ask questions, then share your own interests and the reasons you enjoy them to start a conversation. To help you find mutual interests and start fresh talks, you may also plan activities like going to the movies, sporting events, or museums.
Utilize proactive strategies.
Do not hold off on providing fresh learning opportunities for your kids. Find extracurricular pursuits that can assist you develop your mental faculties in settings other than the classroom.
