Chances are, you're probably already doing many things that boost your child's cognitive development. Everyday activities, such as going to the grocery store, reading together or talking about the day, help strengthen your child's cognitive development. With a little extra attention, though, and understanding of child development, you can provide many additional opportunities for cognitive growth.
A Healthy Diet
A diet rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain cereals, pasta, and rice, provides long-lasting fuel for healthy brain development, according to Dr. Sears, MD of Dr.Sears.com. Serve low-glycemic foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and salads, several times per day. Offer high-quality sources of protein, such as fish, nuts, avocados and cheese and yogurt. Steer clear of processed, sugary foods, for maximum brain functioning. Serve a hearty breakfast, such as oatmeal with fruit and eggs, and offer snacks throughout the day.
Language Development
Early experiences can have a marked effect on later cognitive development. Language development is the basis for future cognitive growth. Talk with your infant and toddler about the day, what you see, and what you are experiencing together. Games, such as peek-a-boo, encourage exploration of cause and effect.
Read to your child for at least 20 minutes each day. Reading together helps develop early literacy skills, such as understanding that stories have a beginning, middle and end. Children begin to make logical conclusions and identify letters and sounds, according to Dr. Toni Linder.
Sing songs, read nursery rhymes, and play matching or rhyming games. Games, such as "I'm Thinking Of," or "I Spy" encourage memory, concentration and language development.
Social Emotional Development
Children who have the ability to solve problems, follow through on tasks, and think independently are more likely to be successful in school and learning. How young children are treated has a direct impact on their cognitive ability and later success in life, according to Barbara Coloroso, author of "Kids Are Worth It."
Treat children with respect and fairness from an early age. Respond to their needs promptly and set reasonable limits. Allow children opportunities to learn from their mistakes and take responsibility. Maintain a healthy balance in parenting; avoid either a permissive or overly authoritarian style.
Offer many opportunities for children to develop strong relationships with family and friends. Play dates to the park, visits to neighbors and carefully selected sports, listening to music, and taking part in art activities can enhance a child's social, emotional and cognitive development.
Play
Offer open-ended toys that encourage children to play in a variety of ways. For example, children may use a set of wooden blocks to build a boat, create a house, or make a path. They generally use action figures to simulate the actions they've seen in television shows and movies only. Cognitive development is enhanced when children are encouraged to play in open-ended, creative ways, according to Linda G. Miller.
Provide simple props, such as a play kitchen and dress up clothes, for children to use during pretend play, which encourages problem solving, role playing, language development and creative thinking. Model how to pretend if necessary. Young children have very limited play skills and usually engage in the same role again and again. Older children can make up their own play scripts, assign roles, and even use objects symbolically, which are all examples of higher thinking skills, according to Toni Linder.
References
- Dr.Sears.com: Best Brain Foods
- High Reach Learning: Cognitive Development of Infants and Toddlers
- Early Childhood News; Linda G. Miller; Toy Selection
- "Kids Are Worth It"; Linda Coloroso; 2002
- Betty Hardwick Center; Cognitive Nurturing in Early Childhood; Angela Oswalt, et al.
- "Transdisciplinary Play-Based Intervention; Dr. Toni Linder; 2008
