Boost Your Child’s Intelligence: How to Help Them Succeed in School and Life
As a parent, you want your child to succeed in life. You want them to have all the opportunities possible and to be able to do whatever they set their minds to. But sometimes, it can feel like your child is constantly hitting roadblocks – no matter how hard they try. This can be extremely frustrating for both you and your child. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how you can help boost your child’s intelligence and help them succeed in school and life.
What is Intelligence?
Most people think of intelligence as the ability to learn and remember information. However, intelligence is much more than that. In fact, there are eight different types of intelligence, each with its strengths and abilities.
Professor Howard Gardner, a Harvard University professor of education, developed the multiple intelligence theory in 1983. According to Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, there are eight types of intelligence. Here’s a quick rundown of each:
- Linguistic Intelligence (“word smart”): This type of intelligence involves the ability to use language to express oneself and communicate with others. It is the ability to read, write, and tell stories.
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (“number/reasoning smart”): This type of intelligence involves the ability to think logically and solve mathematical problems. It is the ability to understand patterns and relationships and to think abstractly.
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“body smart”): This type of intelligence involves using one’s body effectively. It is the ability to coordinate movements and to use the body to express ideas.
- Musical Intelligence (“music smart”): This type of intelligence involves the ability to appreciate and create music. It is recognizing and creating sound patterns and responding emotionally to music.
- Interpersonal Intelligence (“people smart”): This type of intelligence involves understanding and interacting with other people. It is building relationships, empathizing with others, and communicating effectively.
- Intrapersonal Intelligence (“self-smart “): This type of intelligence involves the ability to know oneself. It is the ability to be aware of one’s thoughts and feelings and to have a strong sense of self-awareness and identity.
- Naturalistic Intelligence (“nature smart”): This type of intelligence involves the ability to understand and connect with nature. It is the ability to notice and appreciate the natural world and find meaning in nature’s patterns and cycles.
- Existential Intelligence (“life smart”): This type of intelligence involves the ability to reflect on life’s big questions. It is the ability to ponder the meaning of life, death, and existence and to search for answers to life’s biggest mysteries.
Now that you know the different kinds of intelligence, how can you help your child boost their intelligence? Here are some tips to get started:
Get Them Involved in Extracurricular Activities
As any parent knows, raising a smart and successful child takes a lot of work. Getting your child involved in extracurricular activities is one way to give them a head start. Doing things outside school is a great way for kids to explore their interests and learn new skills. It also helps them socialize with other kids and adults, which is important for cognitive development.
Your child can get involved in many extracurricular activities; it’s important to find something they’re interested in that fits your family’s schedule and budget. Some popular options include sports and music lessons. New research has discovered that musicians’ brains are highly developed in a way that makes them alert, eager to learn, calm, playful, and able to see the big picture. World-class athletes also exhibit the same characteristics.
Furthermore, it is also important to consider the type of activity and whether it is the right fit for your child. It should be something that they enjoy and are passionate about. With the right extracurricular activity, you can help your child develop into a well-rounded individual with a love for learning.
Encourage Them to Read Regularly
Reading is one of the best ways to increase intelligence. It helps to improve vocabulary, increase knowledge, and sharpen critical thinking skills. If your child is still learning how to read, don’t just read to them; read with them. Help them build their reading skills by calling their attention to the words. Studies show that shared book reading is effective for promoting early literacy ability when it is enriched with explicit attention to children’s reading skills and strategies. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your child.
Additionally, it is important to encourage your child to read for pleasure and learning. This helps to develop reading skills and exposes them to new ideas and information. Reading also helps children learn to focus and concentrate. As a result, they can better process information and understand complex concepts.
Of course, it’s not enough to just encourage your child to read. You also need to provide them with opportunities to read. Make sure there are plenty of books in your home and take them to the library or bookstore regularly. And when they’re reading, take the time to talk with them about what they’re reading. This will help them engage with the material on a deeper level and boost their comprehension.
Make Sure They Get Plenty of Sleep!
A good night’s sleep is essential for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for growing children. A 2018 study discovered that frequent nighttime awakenings resulted in poor cognitive function in toddlers. During sleep, the brain can process new information and consolidate memories. This process is essential for learning and retaining information.
Furthermore, sleep deprivation can cause mood swings and irritability, making it difficult for children to focus in school or participate in other activities. To ensure your child gets enough sleep, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. Limit screen time before bed and create a calm environment that promotes relaxation. By taking these steps, you can help your child get the rest they need to academically and socially thrive.
Feed Them a Healthy Diet
As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. You want them to be happy and healthy, and you want them to succeed in life. One way to set your child up for success is by feeding them a healthy diet. Studies have shown that children who eat a nutritious diet are better able to concentrate and perform academically than those who don’t.
It may seem like a small thing, but the nutrients in their food can have a big impact on their developing brain. Healthy foods provide the essential nutrients that growing brains need to develop properly. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for cognitive development, and low iron levels have been linked to impaired brain function. By ensuring that your child is getting the nutrients they need, you can help to boost their intelligence and set them up for a bright future.
Inspire Curiosity and Encourage Them to Ask Questions
As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s intellectual development. You can encourage your child’s intelligence by encouraging them to ask questions and be curious. When your child asks a question, take the time to answer it thoroughly. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say so and tell your child that you can find out together. Help them understand that there are no stupid questions, only learning opportunities. Encourage them to explore their interests and to find new things to be curious about. By promoting curiosity in your child, you can help them to develop into a smarter, more inquisitive individual. Ultimately, this will help them to succeed in school and in life.
Try not to just give your child the answer when they ask you a question. Instead, take the time to discuss it with them and help them understand why it’s important. By doing this, you’ll not only be helping to boost their intelligence but also fostering a love of learning in them that will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
So those are just a few things you can do to help boost your child’s intelligence. Of course, this is just a basic guide – each child is unique and will learn in different ways. But if you apply these tips, you can give your child a strong foundation for success in school and life. It’s important to start early and be consistent, but it’s never too late!
Do you have other tried-and-true methods for raising a smart and successful kid? Please leave a comment below and let us know! And don’t forget to share this post with your fellow parents – let’s help each other out!
