It is every parent's dream to raise a smart child, and it doesn't take a magician to help the child reach his or her intellectual potential. All it requires is a loving, caring and hands-on parent.
Here are five habits parents should adopt in ensuring they raise intelligent children:
1.Breastfeed your baby if you can
Research has shown that babies who are breastfed tend to have higher IQ than those who are fed on formula.
A mother's milk not only increases a baby's overall health because of its nutritional value, but it's also a magic portion that plays a role in boosting your child's brainpower.
So if you can, it is advisable to exclusively breastfeed your baby, and do it as long as you can.
2. Talk to your baby
Go gaga and have a regular baby talk with your child.
Conversing with your little one more often enhances their memory.
This is that time when you can even play silly by making funny faces and talking in those high pitched baby voices that babies really tune into.
As much as they may not understand what you are saying, the more you talk to your baby, the higher their IQ.
According to research, chatting your baby up enhances their vocabulary and language processing skills as early as 18 months old.
Narrating to them how your day was, telling them what you are doing and what you are thinking helps them grasp lip movements, sounds and pronunciation of a language.
3. Choose the right music for your baby
Research suggests that babies who regularly listen to calming and soothing music have a better memory.
Research also says such soothing tunes are beneficial for brain development, hence boosting their cognitive skills.
It is therefore advisable for parents to make a habit of regularly holding their babies close, and slowly dance to calming music.
Do not play them loud and busy music such as riddims and ragga at this age.
4. Encourage physical activity
According to research, there's a strong connection between the development of the brain and physical activities in babies.
As a parent, play your part by playing with your baby at least an hour a day.
This is a chance for you to let loose and just play and be silly with your baby; lie on the floor, let your baby climb all over you, play hide and seek, crawl and follow each other around the house etc.
5. Read bedtime stories to your baby.
This is an unpopular culture yet critical for your baby's intelligence potential.
Your baby is never too young to be read to. Therefore, before you tuck your baby to sleep, cuddle up with him or her and read them a bedtime story.
Choose a book with pictures because that is what babies are drawn to.
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