4 Ways to Grow Your Child's Mind

Now that we're working towards getting back to normal (or at least a "new normal"), you might have some concerns about your child's educational growth and focus after the wild school year we've been through. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to enhance your child's learning and get their brains back in gear.

photo via J. Wang, Unsplash

A focused mind is one of the most valuable assets any child can have. For starters, it helps their academic performance, but it's also a life skill. Listening to others, paying attention to instructions and following through with tasks are all basic skills that both kids and adults need in every day life.  Healthy minds enable children to become less anxious and more inquisitive human beings, too. 

With the overwhelming presence of digital technology and social media, attributes like concentration, focus, and drive are in short supply. Children are usually more willing to pick up an iPad or spend hours on Snapchat than to engage in activities that are good for their body and mind. Can we blame them? This is the world they live in, and the past year has proven to be a social challenge. It's not easy to change a child's habits (or our own habits for that matter). But I have some simple suggestions you can incorporate into your every day life which might help improve your child's focus. 

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Get Outside

Outdoor play is one of the most effective methods for improving a child’s cognition, since they are exposed to new sensations and experiences while encouraging their imagination to thrive. Yet so many children in the modern era are stuck indoors or have restricted access to gardens and green spaces. Make an effort to get outside with your kids now and then, whether in your backyard or on a trip to the nearest park. The exercise will also help them to reduce any psychological stress and help their minds and bodies to perform at their best. If your child is reluctant to spend time outdoors, start with small tasks each day- such as tending a garden, watering plants, or going on a nature walk. 

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Encourage Reading

It's not always easy to get kids to read. If you have a reluctant reader at home, know that you're not alone! Try to find books that appeal to your child's interests and read aloud to them before bed (or let them read to you!). Set a good example by reading regularly and spending less time on your phone (easier said than done sometimes, I know!). Reading doesn't always have to be 'books.' Think outside the box for reluctant readers and look for engaging magazines, graphic novels, and even comics. 

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Challenge Their Minds

Some children give up or break down when they are confronted with a challenge or task they can’t complete. But as they say, a little adversity is good for building willpower and mental strength! Try to gently talk kids through difficult homework assignments, and visit brain-boosting websites like https://www.pennydellpuzzles.com/crosswords/subscriptions/ to find challenging crosswords and  puzzles.

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Limit Technology

Most of us are guilty of it, but technology addiction has been linked to memory issues, concentration problems, and reduced cognition. If you can, try to limit your child’s technology consumption to prevent this. Set screen-free periods for the whole household and engage in shared activities like exercise, board games, or outdoor play. Talk to them about the dangers of technology and once again, make sure you lead by example.

Most of us are guilty of it, but overuse of smartphones and the internet is not only wasting time that could be spent on more positive activities, but it also decreases cognitive function.  Technology addiction can reduce memory, concentration and cognition, so if you can, try to limit your child’s technology usage each day. Set screen-free periods for the whole household and engage in shared activities like exercise, board games, or outdoor play. Talk to them about the dangers of technology and once again, make sure you lead by example. I know, I know, this is a challenge for all of us, but we can do it!

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