8 Ways to Make your Child a Smarty-pants

Everyone wants their child to be successful and to do well in school. Unfortunately the Baby Einstein videos so many parked their babies in front of didn’t do exactly what it was created to do. There are other, much more effective ways to build your child’s IQ and they may be simpler than you think!

1. Breastfeeding has many benefits like building immunity and disease protection. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies being breastfed for at least the first six months of life. Studies show that kids who were breastfed exclusively and for long periods of time show higher verbal IQ at the half of 6 than those who were not breastfed.

2. Kids who have outlets like gym class, recess or other physical activity are thought to have higher grades and cognitive test scores. Children need outlets to release their energy, which will in turn make them more susceptible to learning and absorbing knowledge.

3. Children who are used to high-sugar, high fat diets may have lower IQs than those who eat healthy, says a study that was published in the Journal of Epidermiological Community Health. Researchers kept track of the eating habits of 4,000 children ranging from ages 3 to 8. Kids who ate the most processed foods had lower IQ scores than those whose diets included more fruit, veggies, fish and pasta. Keep your children away from the junk food!

4. Any kind of music lessons are excellent for adding brain power and upping IQ scores. Drama lessons have also proved to be effective in increasing IQ scores, but they didn’t raise scores quite as much as music lessons do. Music allows children to expose themselves to experiences that may help them in other forms of life and lets them express themselves in a different way.

5. Boosted levels of DHA omega-3 fatty acids have been known to raise people’s intelligence. Studies prove that diets that allow nursing mothers to intake over 1,000mg of DHA a day can increase an infant’s intelligence by more than 3.5 points. Talk to your healthcare physician and ask them if your little one needs a DHA boost and how you can do it.

6. Interactive reading encourages kids to read and also teaches them how to ask questions. Studies show that children under the age of 4 who are active participants in reading with their parents or caregivers will increase their IQ by more than 6 points. Definitely take the time to read with your children, but also interact with them and encourage them to look deeper into each story they read.

7. Send your child to preschool. Obama is trying to enforce this for everyone because it is very important. If you have a child who has issues with reading, learning or language development, sending them to preschool may help them immensely. The benefits preschool offers your child are endless, so if you have the chance to send your child, definitely take advantage of the opportunity.

8. Make sure your child starts their day with a healthy breakfast. Studies show that children who start the day with a good meal are more likely to be better focused and prepared for the day and any challenges that may arise. Students, regardless of age and income, showed better scores on state assessment tests and an overall improvement in performance, as well as a less tardiness in the mornings. Something as simple as a bowl of oatmeal or a cereal bar with a glass of juice is sufficient!