The brain develops rapidly in early childhood, reaching up to 80% of its adult size. This development occurs in cognitive areas, including language, social, and emotional capabilities.
Building a smart brain for children is not difficult, and parents should focus on four key aspects, as well as providing a nurturing environment and enriching experiences.
Nurture with Love
The brain’s primary function is survival. It is essential that children grow up in a safe and loving environment to thrive intellectually and physically.
A positive environment reduces stress and promotes healthy physical and mental development. When children feel secure and loved, their brains function more effectively in forming neural connections, which are crucial for cognitive growth.
Physical touch, such as hugs and affectionate interactions with parents, stimulates the release of oxytocin in children, making them feel secure and content. Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” enhances bonding and fosters the development of social relationships later in life.
Positive communication and interactions between children and parents create lasting memories and form the foundation for emotional and psychological development.
In psychology, the emotional bond formed through communication with a specific person is called “attachment.” When a secure attachment is established, parents become a child’s safe haven.
This attachment supports children in developing social skills, learning from their surroundings, and building self-confidence. As a result, they gain the courage to explore, embrace challenges, and gradually unlock their potential.
Nurturing with love.
Nurture with Words
Communication is as vital as eating and sleeping. Even before children can speak, every word and story they hear matters. Language is like a seed of love; when planted in the fertile soil of the brain, it takes root and grows strong.
Therefore, it is essential to create a language-rich environment for children, stimulating neural connections. Specifically, parents can enrich their child’s vocabulary in three ways.
– Be a chatterbox and narrate your thoughts, actions, and surroundings. For instance, when going for a walk, describe the colors of flowers, the sounds of birds, or the feeling of the wind. This helps children learn new words, creates vivid mental images, and stimulates their imagination.
Nurturing with words.
– Read aloud colorful picture books, and repeat stories. Repeated narratives deepen neural connections, while diverse stories broaden those connections.
– Listen to children’s songs and explore rhythms and instruments.
Play and Rest in Balance
A consistent routine fosters a sense of security in children. Aim to feed and put your child to sleep at the same time each day to establish a sense of order.
For example, if your child had milk at 8 am, solid food at 10 am, and milk again at noon yesterday, try to maintain those timings today. Reading a short story before bedtime can help your child associate storytelling with sleep, making it a calming ritual.
When children feel secure and content, they are more receptive to new experiences, which stimulates brain development.
Sleep is also crucial for brain growth. Around three months old, children start distinguishing between day and night, and by six months, nighttime sleep accounts for 70-80% of their total sleep. Pay attention to your child’s sleep patterns and adjust your daily routines accordingly.
Balancing play and rest.
Stimulate the Senses
A young child’s brain is like a sponge, absorbing vast amounts of information and learning to form neural connections for unique development.
We should aim to create an environment that stimulates the five senses: touch, smell, taste, hearing, and sight.
– Incorporate sensory toys and books into their daily lives, such as setting up a dedicated play area with colorful toys and picture books to spark curiosity.
Sensory stimulation.
– Nature is a classroom in itself, offering an abundance of toys and learning materials for free. Ensure your child’s safety and take them outdoors to engage their senses.
– Continuously expand their play area to provide a safe space for exploration, stimulating their curiosity and enhancing their attention and independent learning skills.
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