It is widely believed that a child’s physical appearance and facial expressions can provide some insight into their intellectual abilities and developing personality traits. Based on this perspective, specific facial features are often seen as indicators of intelligence.
Children Who Smile Frequently
Children who smile and laugh often tend to exhibit a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook on life. This positive psychology not only influences their decision-making and actions but also boosts their confidence and courage in facing challenges. As a result, they are more likely to achieve success.
Neuroscientific research has shown that laughing stimulates the amygdala in the brain, leading to increased levels of dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter. Dopamine plays a fundamental role in the brain’s reward system, controlling movement and behavior while enhancing the learning process. It makes children feel happy and relaxed while promoting the formation of neural connections and synapses.
Additionally, the positive emotions associated with dopamine can powerfully stimulate various regions of the brain, including the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory processing and improvement.
A renowned American psychologist, Elin Wolf, conducted a long-term study on the development of infants and young children. The research revealed that babies who smiled as early as the third day after birth had IQs as high as 160 when they reached the age of six. This finding supports the notion that the earlier a child starts smiling, the higher their IQ tends to be.
Therefore, parents are encouraged to spend more time playing and creating a joyful, relaxed atmosphere for their children. This not only brings happiness but also contributes to the development of their child’s IQ and memory retention.
High Forehead and the Prefrontal Cortex
The human brain is structured into three main parts: the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. Among these, the cerebrum, or the cortex, makes up about 80% of the brain’s weight, with the prefrontal cortex being a crucial control center. Located behind the forehead and eyes, it is responsible for higher-order functions such as thinking, concentration, decision-making, and executing actions.
According to Saborsky, a professor of neuroscience at Stanford University, one of the most important functions of the prefrontal cortex is its ability to help individuals select more challenging tasks. This includes encouraging children to overcome procrastination and utilize their time effectively for learning.
The prefrontal cortex, often referred to as the “heaven of wisdom,” is situated in the front part of the brain, just behind the forehead. Research from the Chinese National Institute of Health has shown that its development significantly influences a person’s IQ.
Consequently, children with prominent foreheads tend to have a more developed prefrontal cortex, resulting in higher IQs. Their decision-making abilities, self-management skills, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence also show marked improvement. However, parents should not worry if their child does not have a prominent forehead, as the most rapid development of the prefrontal cortex occurs between the ages of 12 and 14, and its maturation can continue until around the age of 20.
Bright Eyes
It is true that “the eyes are the window to the soul.” Scientifically speaking, about 80% of the information the brain gathers from the external environment is processed through the visual center. Children with bright and lively eyes tend to have excellent eye coordination, enabling them to accurately receive and transmit information to the brain.
These children often demonstrate superior visual perception, rarely struggle with tracking text while reading, and exhibit neat handwriting and drawing skills. They also tend to have better concentration.
To enhance your child’s eye brightness and IQ, consider initiating visual stimulation activities early on. Activities such as observing pictures, identifying colors, doing puzzles, and engaging in interactive games will effectively stimulate your child’s brain development.
Children with bright and alert eyes tend to have keen observation skills and strong perception abilities. They quickly absorb new knowledge and skills, leading to an increase in their IQ. Consequently, these children often excel academically and in other areas of life.
Every child is unique, and their intellectual development and personality formation are influenced by multiple factors. Even if a child does not possess the aforementioned “smart” features, parents should not be overly concerned. These external indicators are not the sole determinants of a child’s intelligence.
A child’s development is a complex and multifaceted journey influenced by genetics, environment, and education, among other factors. Therefore, parents should assess their child’s development comprehensively, offering a rich and diverse environment that encourages creativity, fosters positive habits, and effectively nurtures their talents.