There are two crucial stages in brain development: 0-3 years old and 4-6 years old. Thus, parents should seize the opportunity to stimulate their children’s brains during these periods.
At these stages, the competition is not about how much knowledge children have accumulated but about whether they can build a solid foundation for their future.
Research has found that what determines a child’s future IQ and EQ is not the number of courses taken or the amount of money invested, but whether they receive three essential “nutrients” during their growth.
When provided with these three aspects, a child’s EQ and IQ will develop together.
High-Quality Language Input
The period from 0 to 3 years old is the golden age for language development. Although children at this stage may not speak well, their brains are working hard.
Especially the area responsible for language, where connections are being made and bridges built daily, laying the foundation for their future speaking and listening abilities.
By the age of three, the language environment at home can significantly impact a child’s vocabulary. And this gap will only widen as they grow older.
Many parents believe that talking to their children when they don’t understand is pointless. However, even though they may not respond, children instinctively absorb what they hear. They can discern tone, rhythm, and vocabulary, and all of these are imprinted in their minds.
For example, when a mother says, “I’m eating watermelon. Take a bite. It’s sweet. Do you want some?” The child may not be able to repeat or express these words, but the words “watermelon,” “bite,” and “sweet” are deeply ingrained in their mind.
Learning language doesn’t mean waiting until a child can speak before teaching them. Instead, it’s about exposing them to language from an early age.
Research has found that children from wealthy families hear thousands more words daily than those from average families. By the age of three, there can be a vocabulary gap of over 3,000 words.
This gap affects not just their speaking ability but also their expression, understanding, emotional intelligence, learning ability, and communication skills.
You’ll notice that children whose parents regularly read comics, tell stories, and converse tend to have better language skills, imagination, and logical thinking.
Of course, providing high-quality language input means that parents need to converse, tell stories, listen, and communicate more with their children. Growing up in such a language-rich environment fosters emotional intelligence, quick thinking, and overall brain development.
The period from 0 to 3 years old is the golden age for language development.
Freedom to Explore
Children under six are naturally curious and love to use their hands to explore.
Many parents worry and often say things like, “Don’t move,” “Be careful,” or “That’s dangerous!” However, few realize that these attempts to explore and cause mischief contribute significantly to their rapid development.
According to Piaget’s cognitive development theory, children’s thinking begins with action. Every time they touch, walk, look, or taste something, they help their brains build neural networks, forming more frequent and faster connections.
This self-initiated exploration is far more valuable than rote learning. For children, the first way of learning is through sensory exploration of the world around them.
Brain scientist Hermann also states, “A child’s hands are an extension of their brain.”
By providing ample opportunities and space for children to freely explore and make mistakes within safe boundaries, you facilitate the building of more neural connections in their brains.
Therefore, for children under six, it’s essential to allow them to use their hands, feet, and senses to explore and understand the world within safe limits.
Sense of Security
From birth, a child’s ability to form secure and stable attachments directly impacts the connection and integration of their brain cells.
For example, when a child is hesitant to slide down a slide for the first time, a mother’s gentle and patient encouragement, “It’s okay, you can do it, I’m here with you,” stimulates their willingness to try.
Provide children with opportunities and space to explore freely.
With a mother’s companionship and encouragement, children gain the courage to face challenges and try new things because they feel accepted and protected.
On the other hand, a lack of security can lead to withdrawal when faced with problems, resulting in fear or blame. The brain will instinctively remain in a state of stress, impacting development over time.
If a child feels sufficiently secure before the age of six, they will likely grow up to be more confident, adaptable, focused, creative, and excel in various other aspects.
A sense of security stems from a parent’s presence and response. It forms the foundation for emotional intelligence, IQ, and the best foundation for self-confidence.
Provide children with these three “growth nutrients.”
Offering the best “nutrition” for brain development during these formative years doesn’t require overly complicated methods. Parents should focus on the following three aspects.
Communicate More
From the moment a child is born, talk to them and tell them stories.
Even if they don’t understand or respond immediately, it will leave a deep impression on their minds. The more “stimulation” they receive, the better their brain and language development will be.
Talk and tell stories to your children from their earliest days.
Sometimes, Turn a Blind Eye
Parents shouldn’t be overly anxious about their parenting methods. Give children space to explore and satisfy their curiosity. Let them touch, hold, pinch, pick up, turn over, and take things apart, allowing them to sense and understand the world in their unique way.
These processes stimulate brain activity and enhance intelligence when they are allowed to use their senses and explore more.
Spend More Time with Your Child
Parents should minimize mobile phone usage when playing with their children. When a child cries or is afraid, refrain from denying their feelings or blaming them. Instead, offer a gentle yet firm response and a comforting hug.
When a child feels this gentle strength, a sense of security takes root and grows in their mind.
If children receive these three essential aspects before turning six, they will naturally grow up to be confident, courageous, intelligent, and emotionally intelligent.
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