Many people are unaware of the bad habits that can negatively impact brain function, and often, these habits silently rob children of their cognitive abilities without parents even realizing it.
To ensure your child’s healthy development and protect their cognitive abilities, it’s crucial to take action now and help them break free from these unhealthy habits. Timely intervention will lay the necessary foundation for their intellectual growth.
Consuming too much sugar
According to research from the University of California, a high intake of sugar can have detrimental effects on brain function. A long-term diet high in sugar slows down brain activity and impairs learning and memory. Studies also indicate that high blood sugar levels are associated with shrinkage in the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory.
Many parents might think that giving their children a daily treat of cake or juice is harmless, but sugary foods can alter the way the brain works, leading to cravings and a dependence on sweet foods. Children who develop a sweet tooth tend to be easily stimulated by sugary treats and struggle to control their snacking habits. To prevent this, parents should take the initiative to reduce the amount of sugar in their children’s diets, thus safeguarding their intelligence.
Children with a sweet tooth are easily stimulated by sugary treats and often struggle to control their snacking habits.
Addiction to electronic devices
The addiction to electronic devices, especially mobile phones, can be likened to the “cucumber effect” in psychology, where each use prompts a desire to continue, eventually leading to an inability to stop. This is particularly concerning for children, as the constant stream of information and stimulation from screens not only wastes their time but also impacts their minds.
Research shows that the brains of phone addicts share structural similarities with those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, exhibiting shrinkage and a lack of sensory stimulation, resulting in poor concentration and memory. Affected children often display restlessness, impatience, and an inability to focus on complex subjects like mathematics or physics.
To help children reduce their dependence on phones, parents can redirect their attention to quality animated films or encourage activities that naturally produce dopamine, such as sports or intellectual games. This not only improves their focus but also develops essential life skills.
Lack of physical activity
According to teacher and psychology expert Yang Xia from the Beijing Union Medical College, one of the primary reasons for children’s lack of focus, procrastination, and poor mood is a deficiency in physical activity. Nowadays, many children spend most of their time indoors doing homework and attending extracurricular classes, with little to no time for outdoor activities.
However, evidence suggests that exercise does not hinder academic performance but instead boosts brainpower and enhances learning efficiency. A successful example from a middle school in Chicago, USA, demonstrated that implementing a “0-hour sports plan” encouraged students to wake up early and exercise before classes. While parents initially opposed the idea, they soon noticed significant improvements in their children’s positivity and focus. After one semester, students who participated in this physical activity program showed a 10% increase in reading comprehension.
When children engage in physical activity, their bodies release neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which support mood, memory, and concentration. Therefore, instead of hindering children’s movement, encouraging and facilitating their physical activity is a beneficial strategy to enhance their academic performance.
Physical activity in children stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, supporting their mood, memory, and concentration.
Staying up late
Late nights have a significant negative impact on brain development and function, similar to the effects of alcohol intoxication. Research shows that lack of sleep impairs children’s learning abilities, hand-eye coordination, and reaction time. During sleep, the brain performs a cleaning function to eliminate waste, which is vital for mental and physical recovery. Without sufficient sleep, toxins accumulate, severely affecting the brain’s normal functioning.
To mitigate the adverse effects of late nights, parents should lead by example and encourage their children to go to bed early. This ensures that the brain has enough time to recover from the day’s stresses and fatigue, and it also guarantees that children can approach their studies with a fresh and positive mindset the next day.
Mental Laziness
According to scientist Hong Lan’s research, the brain exhibits plasticity and follows the “use it or lose it” principle. If cognitive pathways are not exercised, they will gradually be forgotten, leading to a decline in children’s thinking abilities. When children are unenthusiastic about learning, opting for simple tasks and giving up when faced with challenges, they develop lazy habits that hinder their intelligence.
To support brain development, parents should focus on two key points. Firstly, avoid doing everything for your child, as this creates dependence and hinders their ability to think independently. Secondly, create an environment that stimulates learning and promotes positive action. If parents don’t embrace a culture of curiosity and reading, it will be challenging to motivate their children to do so. Leading by example is a more effective educational approach.
Leading by example is a more effective educational approach to motivate children.
Continuous studying without breaks
A striking image of children in a hospital doing homework while receiving IV drips highlights the relentless pressure to study, even when their health is suffering. This approach is counterproductive and can worsen their condition. Studying while ill can lead to issues such as lack of focus, memory problems, and, in severe cases, irreversible brain damage.
To address this, parents should encourage their children to relax by listening to music, looking out the window, or taking a walk to temporarily forget about their studies. This creates a sense of happiness and energy recovery. When children are unwell, adequate rest, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep are crucial. It’s essential to schedule study time reasonably so that different parts of the brain can rest in turn, preventing overloading the nervous system. Adopting scientific study methods helps protect children’s health and improves learning outcomes.
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