We all love and adore our children- they are, without a doubt, our world. But did you know that all the love you shower your child with is actually helping him become smarter? That's right! Children who are given love and affection from their mothers early in life are smarter, with a better ability to learn.
This was what a study by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis revealed.
They found that school-aged children whose mothers nurtured them early in life have brains with a larger hippocampus - a key structure important to learning, memory and response to stress.
For years, studies have underscored the importance of an early, nurturing environment for good, healthy outcomes for children. Parents focus on investing in the best childcare environment or resource materials to promote positive outcomes for their child not knowing that loving and nurturing our child was not only good for his development, but that it also physically altered the brain.
The study's findings validate a large body of early childhood development literature that highlights the importance of early parenting and nurturing.
So how can we apply the findings of this study to really help our children develop? Here are some ways:
Nurture and support your child
Meet with your child’s preschool educator regularly and discuss how the two of you could work together to ensure your child's proper development. The nurturing and loving that happens at home should continue at preschool.
Your love is key
A warm, attached relationship with mom is important in preventing behavioral problems in children. Parents' relationships with their children are extremely important and that's how we develop our ability to have successful relationships as adults. A parent is a child's first and foremost role model. If kids don't feel close to their parents, then they're probably not going to model the positive aspects of that relationship when they reach adulthood.
Spend quality time
Quality time is simply defined as meaningful time spent nurturing a child and communicating freely with them. This is the time when parents can bond most meaningfully with their children, while also creating happy childhood memories. Both working and stay-at-home parents need to make the effort to create some quality time with kids and help them grow into happy, confident and responsible adults. No matter how busy you may be, there is always time for a few hugs. Hugging your children makes them feel special and cared for and can lift their spirits if they are anxious or upset.
Your love goes a long way in preparing your child to be smarter. So start building on those loving feelings right now. Go give your child a giant hug, smother him or her with kisses and tell him or her that you love them to the moon and back...and know while you do this you are helping your child's brain development. It's a win-win situation really!
Article originally published on: theAsianparent.com
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