8 habits to help children develop intelligence

Although a child’s intelligence depends heavily on genetics, some good habits also have a positive impact on the brain.

Spend time playing with your child

Spending time playing with your children can help build relationships between family members, thereby creating a foundation for other relationships. Play provides opportunities to practice important social-emotional, communication, and cognitive skills in young children.

Maintain good sleep

Sleep is important at all ages, helping to consolidate memories by synthesizing experiences and gaining more knowledge. It is also necessary for young children because their brains are in the stage of developing and processing information. Newborns should sleep 14-17 hours a day, 1-3 year olds need 11-14 hours, 10-13 hours when 3-5 years old. At the age of 6-12 years old, the need for sleep is about 9-12 hours, and for teenagers it is 8-10 hours.

Proper nutrition

Adequate nutritional supplementation is essential for optimal brain development in children. During the first year of life, most nutrients come from breast milk or formula. From the weaning stage onwards, parents should prioritize meals with colorful foods and many different food groups. They provide adequate vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy brain.

Read a book

Reading provides opportunities to learn languages, bond with parents as well as help children come into contact with things they cannot see with their own eyes. This habit stimulates children’s curiosity and exploration of the world.

Choose age-appropriate toys

Toys can help children become familiar with many new skills. Parents choose toys suitable for their children’s age so that their children can develop their abilities or overcome reasonable challenges. Learn about different types of toys that can give children confidence and spatial awareness.

Limit time using electronic devices

Device addiction in young children can negatively impact brain development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under two months of age avoid using electronic devices other than video chatting. From 2 to 5 years old, parents should limit time spent watching age-appropriate programming to a maximum of one hour per day. Parents need to monitor content to understand what their children are watching.

Active physical activity

Physical activity is not only important for physical health but is also beneficial for mental health. They release endorphin hormones that can fight feelings of depression and anxiety. Regular exercise also promotes self-confidence and bonds with friends. Children 6-17 years old need to exercise at least one hour a day, appropriate to their physical strength.

Eat and drink with family

Eating together is also an opportunity for children to observe and learn communication skills from adults. This supports language skills as well as social skills in adulthood. Family members should spend time eating together. Turn off all electronic devices and talk and interact with each other to set an example for your children about healthy eating.