The Secret to Boosting Your Child’s IQ: Unlocking the Power of Early Intervention and Beyond

“The Milestone of Walking: Unraveling the Myth of Early Walkers and Their Cognitive Abilities”

The moment when a child takes their first steps is a significant milestone in their development. Many parents often feel anxious when they notice their child seems slower than their peers and tend to compare their child’s walking progress. So, is there a correlation between early walking and intellectual development?

Are children who walk earlier considered more intelligent?

There’s a long-standing belief that “children who walk early will be smarter.” However, to date, no scientific research has conclusively proven a direct link between a child’s IQ and their early or late walking abilities.

Studies indicate that a child’s brain development is influenced by a multitude of factors, including genetics, educational environment, nutrition, and life experiences, rather than solely depending on the age they start walking.

Physical development in children also needs to follow certain principles. In the early years, a child’s bones go through different growth stages. If a child starts walking too early, it could lead to potential problems in bone development. Standing or walking before the bones are ready can have negative consequences, such as bow-leggedness, flat feet, or long-term bone and joint issues.

In fact, from a developmental perspective, crawling is an essential element in a child’s motor and cognitive formation. Through crawling, children not only refine their sense of balance but also enhance their coordination and spatial awareness. This stage plays a crucial role in strengthening muscles, developing observational skills, and broadening their understanding of the world.

Furthermore, crawling has a positive impact on children’s intellectual development. According to experts, children should spend approximately 800 hours crawling during the early stages. This period is ideal for rapid brain development and boosting IQ.

Most children usually start crawling between the ages of 7 and 10 months. When encouraged to crawl and explore their surroundings, they build confidence in developing other motor skills, such as standing up and walking.

However, it’s essential to understand that each child’s development is unique and cannot be forced to fit a particular mold. Not all children go through the crawling stage before walking. Some children might skip crawling and start walking directly, which is entirely normal. Every child has their own pace of development, influenced by factors such as genetics, living environment, and parental support. These differences can impact motion sickness, as children who skip crawling may experience it due to sensory function disorders.

This is because they lack diverse motor experiences, which are necessary for developing sensory and balance mechanisms. However, this is not an absolute phenomenon but rather a higher possibility.

Parents should monitor their child’s development, encourage age-appropriate activities, and ensure their child has sufficient time to acquire motor skills naturally and safely. Special attention should be given to the crawling stage.

How can parents support their child’s crawling development effectively?

Create a Conducive Environment

When a child enters the crawling stage, it’s crucial to encourage them to practice. This is a decisive moment in their motor development, as they refine essential skills like balance and coordination. To facilitate this, parents should choose a suitable space in the house, such as a bed or a soft rug in the living room, providing a comfortable and safe surface.

Parents need to clear the crawling area, removing sharp or small objects that could be hazardous, and ensuring nothing breakable is within reach. Creating a safe space will make the child feel more comfortable exploring and moving freely.

Once the area is prepared, let the child crawl freely. You can encourage them to explore by placing toys in different locations to capture their attention.

Guide Crawling Through Toys

Some children might be a bit slow in taking up crawling. Even if they have acquired the skill, their enthusiasm may be lacking. In such cases, parents can use toys to stimulate their interest.

For instance, place their favorite toy within sight and crawl alongside them to create a sense of connection.

Avoid Pressuring Your Child

After practice sessions, your child might feel tired and reluctant to move. In this situation, there’s no need to worry. Be patient, gently guide them, and allow them some rest and a snack to recharge their energy. If they genuinely don’t want to crawl, try again at another time.

Remember that children have limited attention spans, so accompany them on this journey. Encourage and support them with smiles and positive reinforcement. Every child has their unique development pace, so avoid forcing or comparing them with others.