Cognitive development describes how children think, explore, and solve problems. As your kids expand their knowledge, abilities, and dispositions, they can form opinions about and understand their surroundings. However, a recent UK research revealed that childhood cognitive problems could lead to mental health issues later in life. On the other hand, nurturing their minds lays the groundwork for academic and life success. Below are four simple things you can do to improve your child's cognitive development.
Practise the alphabet
Singing along to educational songs like the "Alphabet Song," interacting with alphabet puzzles. And reading alphabet books may help your child easily recognize letters. You may employ a few games to help your kids learn their letters. For instance, you can cut individual squares with each alphabet letter inscribed in vivid colours and stick them to various surfaces throughout the house. Now you can go through the alphabet with your child, encouraging them to look around the home for the next letter and tape it on the wall in the correct order. You can play again when you are through hanging the alphabet letters in their proper position on the wall.
Visit stimulating places
Exploring new and stimulating places like museums, zoos, parks, and science centres can greatly enhance your child's cognitive development. Many of these places offer hands-on experiences that are both engaging and educational. They can help children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity by exposing them to new ideas and concepts. Additionally, interacting with other kids and adults in these environments can help foster social skills, teamwork, and communication. Whether you're exploring a new city or simply taking a day trip to a nearby attraction, visiting these stimulating places can be an excellent way to support your child's cognitive development in a fun and interactive way.
Allow play with everyday items
Everyday household items can provide opportunities for creative play and early maths and science learning. Children can learn about shapes, sizes, and patterns by sorting and grouping objects. They can also develop problem-solving skills by figuring out how to use objects in new and creative ways. Simple activities such as stacking objects or building with blocks can promote spatial reasoning and fine motor skills. Similarly, exploring their environment and experimenting with different objects can help spark your kids’ curiosity and creativity, encouraging their intellectual development.
Offer a broad variety of snacks
Snacks are essential for everybody, and kids are no exception. However, these snacks should be healthy, and you must encourage your kids to avoid highly processed snacks. Offering many available snacks can help their taste buds explore diverse tastes and textures. Once on this adventure, they'll want to try even more different treats, making their diet more balanced and nutritious. Healthy snacks containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can also impact their brains and cognitive function. Healthy snacks for kids, particularly those rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, can benefit your child's cognitive development and boost their well-being.
Louise Mercieca
Nutritional Therapist
Podcast Host
Personal Trainer
Early Years Nutrition Consultant
Award-winning Author
Food & Health Writer
Presenter on Early Years TV Food
Keynote speaker
www.thehealthkick.co.uk
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