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Development Topics
Inside the Mind of a Child
Boosting Brain Power
As children develop and participate in the normal activities of day-to-day life, they will grow and change in their cognitive skills. Most children’s intellectual abilities will develop normally without any sort of special intervention. However, a parent can play a role in stimulating and encouraging cognitive growth by following four simple guidelines:
Provide varied experiences. Don’t let your child sit inside watching TV all day. Give him new experiences — take him to the zoo or a museum, let him watch airplanes take off or go to the beach. The more diverse his experiences, the more flexible he will become in his thinking.
Give time to play. Children who are always busy with extracurricular activities, or who are in the car a lot, don’t have time simply to play. Children need a chance to explore, create and be inquisitive. Free time without responsibilities allows them to do so.
Encourage physical involvement. Children of all ages learn about the world through touch. Physical contact with people and objects creates connections within the brain. These connections help prepare your child for lifelong learning.
Encourage reading. Read with your child or encourage her to read on her own. Reading stimulates imagination, develops language skills and improves academics.
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