Raising a child is an incredible journey filled with dreams and aspirations for their future. Every parent envisions their child achieving greatness, whether it’s excelling in the Olympics, receiving a Nobel Prize, or attending their dream college.

Research conducted by the National Institute of Health reveals that intelligence is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. While genetics contribute 50% to a child’s intelligence, the other 50% is shaped by their surroundings. As a parent, you have a significant influence over the environmental factors that can impact your child’s cognitive development.

Based on extensive research, here are ten key steps to nurture your child’s intelligence:

1. Early and Frequent Reading

Research by scholars in Ohio State University emphasizes the advantages of reading to your child from a young age. They say that, ‘‘kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school.These children are likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily.’’

Therefore take time to read to your child as it enhances their language and listening skills, enriches vocabulary, sparks creativity, and boosts cognitive abilities.

As your child grows older, encourage them to read to you so as to create a stronger connection and deeper language comprehension.

2. Allow Unstructured Playtime

Unstructured play is crucial for your child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Children are natural explorers, and they learn best through play. Child-led play encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independence. Ensure that this playtime is free from electronic devices to unlock their full potential.

3. Embrace Mistakes

Watching your child struggle can be tough, but it’s an essential part of their learning journey. Research shows that learning from failures and mistakes is a valuable life lesson, leading to success later in life. While it’s essential to guide them when needed, letting them make mistakes is part of raising intelligent and resilient children.

4. Prioritize Physical Activity

Physical exercise has not only physical but also emotional and cognitive benefits. Aerobic exercise improves memory and enhances the ability to learn. It also boosts focus in school. Incorporate regular exercise breaks into your child’s daily routine and explore extracurricular activities that promote physical fitness.

5. Share Family Meals

In today’s busy world, sitting down for family meals can be a challenge, but it’s incredibly important for your child’s emotional and cognitive development. Studies have shown that children who regularly have meals with their families develop better communication skills, higher self-esteem, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. A balanced diet is another key to raising intelligent and healthy children.

6. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Adequate sleep is integral to cognitive development. The amount of sleep your child receives significantly impacts their performance on assessments. Ensure that your child gets the recommended amount of sleep according to their age to support their cognitive growth.

7. Teach Responsibility with Chores

Assigning age-appropriate chores teaches children essential life skills. A 2021 research study on chores and cognitive development published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, concluded that  children who start doing chores at a young age tend to have better executive function skills than children who did not do chores. Chores instill responsibility and problem-solving abilities, contributing to their future success.

8. Exercise Their Brains

Just as physical exercise is vital, mental exercise is equally important. Engage your child in board games like checkers, chess, and backgammon. These games stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ultimately enhancing cognitive abilities. Puzzles, word searches, and riddles are also excellent ways to exercise their minds.

For high schoolers, incorporate technology and explore virtual STEM education activities that provide a virtual reality experience while imparting valuable lessons in science and math.

For whole-brain training of children 5-12 years old, visit our Genius Activator Program here.

9. Enroll the Child in Music Lessons

Listening to music has a calming effect on the brain and helps reduce stress. Studies by researchers at the University of Western Ontario also demonstrated that learning to play a musical instrument helps to strengthen the connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This increased connectivity is associated with better cognitive function making the child intelligent.

10. Explore the World

Encourage your child to step outside the classroom and explore new experiences. Field trips, nature hikes, museum visits, and cultural events provide hands-on, immersive learning experiences.  If getting outdoors is not an option, consider virtual field trips to spark their curiosity and expand their knowledge.

Final Takeaway

Raising an intelligent and resilient child is an ongoing process, requiring patience, dedication, and a commitment to providing a holistic environment that fosters growth.

If you want to take it to the next level, consider enrolling them in our Genius Activator Program, designed for children aged 5-12.

This program employs whole-brain learning techniques to unlock their full potential. From fostering creativity to developing critical thinking skills, the Genius Activator Program offers a unique and engaging educational experience beyond traditional approaches.

Sign up today for the next class for a transformative journey that will shape your child’s intelligence and set them on the path to lifelong success!