Some kids seem naturally smarter than other. Does that mean that they are born smart? Not exactly – baby’s intellectual capacity is not fixed at birth. While genes create the blueprint, but actually growing the neural networks inside child’s head requires a steady stream of vigorous interactions with environment.
But what exactly is “environment”? Every physical, sensory, motor, social, emotional, intellectual interaction that a growing child encounters is his/her environment which plays an essential role in fostering his/her IQ.
If genes account for about 50% to a child’s intellectual development, the other 50% attributes to the environment. This 50% does also mean that there is still plenty a parent can do to improve a child’s intellectual prospect.
Let’s see how…
Intellectual development requires stimulation and engagement in enriching activities. Let’s not forget that early experiences in the first few years are critical to a child’s later intellectual potential. Below are few easy peasy activities which you can do with your little one and be relaxed for your 50% stake.
1. Multi-sensory Approach – for babies, it is vital to adopt a multi-sensory approach while engaging them. Do various activities to simulate their senses. Sometimes it could be visual stimulation like showing them black and white cards. The other time you can work on their motor skills by making him lie down in a play gym. Simply talking to you child is another good exercise to enhance their linguistic development.
Don’t fret about the little one getting overstimulated as they never will. Watch for the cues your baby gives – crying, irritation or taking his eyes off you or the object. Babies are intelligent enough to tell you when to stop. Let them take the lead.
2. Physical Contact –babies thrive on the physical contact. It is not only comforting to infants but it also puts them in the best possible situation for learning. Warmth and affection are significantly associated with higher childhood IQ. Later on, in their tweens and teens, the physical contact takes the form of emotional support and encouragement.
3. Responsiveness – it is not only essential for language development, but also critically shapes children’s emotional reaction and self-awareness. No matter what a child’s age, responsive parenting means really listening to your child, taking the time to understand what he is saying.
4. Involvement- “Involved Parenting” does not mean going crazy in taking your child to various classes and going overwhelmed. It means direct, one on one interaction, in which all of your attention is focused on a joint activity with your child, in other words having a “quality time” – reading a story, making up a song, nature walk, helping with puzzles or blocks, playing dominoes etc.
Several studies have shown a direct link between a child’s IQ and the amount of quality time he spends with his parents.
5. Rich Physical Environment – by “rich” I just don’t mean more toys and more gadgets. On the contrary, rich here means – variety! Toys are important, but number matters much less than variety. The trick is to rotate them every week or trade with friends or join a toy library.
Variety also means the range of experiences, young children are exposed to. Nature walk, libraries, other peoples’ homes, museums, zoo, concerts, anything that gives a different experience.
And of course – digital de-clutter! Keep the exposure to minimum. Be aware and thoughtful of what you choose and how you present it to the malleable minds.
Putting it all together, there is obviously a lot parents can do to improve their child’s IQ – just by being little aware, thoughtful and mindful.
Let’s not blame genes for everything and take some charge !!
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