Why do you think your child does not remember the times how he started to walk or how he learned to speak? A child is born with a large number of brain cells, but most of them are lost after birth. When your brain learns something new, your brain cells make a connection then stores the information. Through time, like the principle, “if you don’t use it, you lose it,” your brain cells that do not store any information are naturally thrown away, allowing the remaining cells to develop.
You must provide the desired stimulus depending on how you want your child’s brain to develop. If you want to develop your child’s language skills, then this will involve reading and speaking to him. To develop other areas involves a different or a multitude of stimuli.
From the moment your child is delivered to the world, his learning process begins. Notice how he cries whenever he wants to be fed, or cuddled? He learns to associate those things on his own. The mobile you hang on his crib stimulates his visual senses. When you talk to him, you introduce him to language. Unknowingly, his brain is already making necessary link to associate your words to meanings. Have you ever wondered why touch is always encouraged even in baby oil and powder commercials? Touch creates a reassuring and positive environment to your child making his brain more akin to learning new things.
The mobile you hang on your baby’s crib stimulates his visual senses.
As parents, you play a big role in his brain development. No one can assure you that the stimulus you provide will make him a child genius but it will ensure that learning will be easier for him since you are there to provide a secure and comfortable environment. If you missed out on these opportunities when he was still young and entirely dependent on you, you can still catch up with the following suggestions:
- Take him to a museum or zoo tour or let him join school field trips. Encourage him to talk about what he learned or experienced that day. Stimulate thinking by throwing him random questions.
- Challenge your children with certain questions. Give them time to think and come up with their answers.
- Teach them to think ahead. Think about the future outcomes, such as, “What if i throw the ball at the window, what will happen, and what are the consequences?”
- Use humor to show children that, there is more than one way to look at things.
- Choose stimulating activities and games, such as, puzzles and word problems. These exercises their minds and sharpen their thinking abilities.
- Stimulate your child’s brain by reading to him, from an early age. Sing songs that you make up along the way. You can even include his name in the song, to get his attention.
- Cuddle your child. Most importantly, provide a safe and loving environment for your child. This will promote brain development, setting a sturdy foundation for the future.
