How to Boost Your Child's Brain Power

A child's brain power grows during imaginative play.

Childhood marks an important time for brain development. Beginning at age 4, a child's brain is actually more active than an adult's, according to an article in "The Oregonian." What children learn early in life impacts the wiring of their brains for years to come. Many parents hope their children will grow up to be successful --- earning high grades, studying at prestigious colleges and entering esteemed professions. Boost your child's brain power by thinking strategically about what you expose your child to and how you interact with her.

Instructions

1. Make sure your children eat breakfast. Eating first thing in the morning helps children learn better, reports National Public Radio. The best foods include low-sugar cereal, oatmeal, eggs or fruit, according to Mail Online.

2. Feed your children nutritious food. Dried fruit, kiwi, bananas, salmon and tuna all contain vital nutrients to help boost a child's brain power, the Mail Online reports states.

3. Ask your children open-ended questions. For example, before you teach your children something, ask them, "What do you know about it?" Children often ask adults, "Why?" so turn the tables on them and boost their brain power in the process.

4. Let your children solve problems that arise in daily life. For example, ask your children to come up with a solution if a piece to a game they want to play is missing.

5. Enroll your children in music lessons. Learning to play an instrument may help children improve their language skills, according to the The Independent online.

6. Read with your children. Developing your children's reading skills by reading together is one of many interactive activities that will boost your child's brain power, according to the University of Kansas.

References

• National Public Radio; A Better Breakfast Can Boost a Child's Brainpower; Allison Aubrey; Aug. 31, 2006
• Mail Online; Seven Superfoods to Help Boost Your Child's Brain Power; Annabel Karmel
• The Independent; Music Has the Power To Shape a Child's Mind; Kate Youde; Feb. 21, 2010
• University of Kansas; Center on Developmental Disabilities; Brain Research in Early Childhood: A Primer for Caregivers and Administrators; Section Two: Helping the Brain Grow
• "The Oregonian"; Kid's Brain Power; Steve Nadia; Dec. 15, 1993
• Penn State Better Kid Care; Distance Education Lesson; Easy Ways to Boost Kids' Brain Power