According to research from Harvard University, children’s IQ scores can be predicted as early as age 3. Surprisingly, there are three common habits that highly intelligent toddlers share. Experts studied over 1,000 three-year-olds for a year to investigate how their habits affected their development.
Intelligent Children are Free and Unrestricted in their Play
Intelligent toddlers’ brains are constantly active, whether they are playing with others or by themselves. Research suggests that children who are given the freedom to play develop their intelligence better than children whose play is directed by their parents. Free play allows children to problem-solve and develop their soft skills. Free play exposes children to challenges that their brains must work to overcome. Free play also teaches them how to apply their knowledge and experiences to real-world situations.
Intelligent Children Enjoy Reading
Intelligent children often learn to read at an early age and develop a love of reading. Toddlers who gravitate towards books and choose them as companions are more likely to be intelligent. Reading exposes children to a limitless cycle of knowledge acquisition. Books increase their knowledge and vocabulary, as well as their critical thinking and communication skills.
Intelligent Children Have Good Sleeping Habits
Toddlers who establish early bedtimes and wake-up times tend to be more intelligent because they get enough sleep.
Sleep is essential for young children’s development. It is when their brains repair themselves and consolidate information, maintaining the health of their neurons, which is vital for improving a child’s learning and memory. Sleep also helps children perform better academically. Studies show that during sleep, the brain reorganizes and strengthens knowledge learned during the day, increasing memory retention and accuracy.
When children are sleep-deprived or don’t get quality sleep, it negatively affects their cognitive development and can harm their physical and mental health.
Well-rested toddlers also have better immune systems, improved resistance to illness, and better overall health. Additionally, quality sleep can promote emotional stability and mental well-being, helping children cope better with stress and challenges.
Intelligent Children Have Healthy Eating Habits
Intelligent toddlers tend to eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and consume less sugar and processed snacks.
Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide essential nutritional support for children’s brain development.
Vitamin C aids in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and facilitates communication between neurons; vitamin E protects neurons from oxidative damage. Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains provide sustained energy, helping children stay focused and attentive while learning.
In particular, toddlers who eat breakfast regularly tend to have better learning and memory. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing children with the energy and nutrients they need to start the day.
Not all intelligent children have these four habits, and not all children who lack these four habits are necessarily less intelligent. However, these habits significantly impact brain development, and research suggests that the majority of intelligent children share these habits. Therefore, parents should pay attention to their children’s routines to ensure they develop healthy habits that support their overall well-being.