How Can I Help My Child’s Development?
There are many ways parents of children aged 5 to 12 can support their mental, emotional and intellectual development. Below, we have listed six:
1. Instill dietary habits from a young age
It is never to soon to teach your child the importance of a healthy balanced diet. Try to favor those aliments containing lean protein as well as zinc, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in grains, nuts, some meats and meat substitutes such as tofu and tempeh.
2. Establish a routine with your child
It is a well-known fact that babies and children alike thrive on routine. From snack time to dinner and bedtime story, kids like to be kept in the loop of what’s happening. Being prepared for the next step will also help them grow secure and confident.
3. Do not underestimate the importance of play
To kids, playing is not just about fun. In fact, it is a fundamental element of every child’s health and wellbeing. Supporting your kid in their playing will help them develop such skills as problem-solving, as well as enhancing their sense of self and assertiveness. Schedule some time every week to engage in playing with your child yourself if you can.
4. Support your kid’s problem-solving skills
While playing or simply dealing with a small bump on the road, your kid will often come to you for help. If you think your child will be able to carry out the task themselves, try to support them trough the process rather than solving the problem for them. This will help them activate the frontal lobe, that part of the brain dedicated to problem solving and anticipation.
5. Get your children to help you with house chores
Giving children responsibilities is a great way to boost kid’s confidence as well as establishing healthy self-care habits they will need in the future. Simple things like bringing their dirty dishes back to the sink or helping you sort out the laundry can go a long way.
6. Use positive reinforcement
The secret to boosting your child’s development lies in the positive reinforcement. Celebrating their achievements with them while diverting attention from those areas that need improvement is sometimes necessary to avoid feelings of inadequacy. Yoga can help raise self-awareness, which is key to making strong and mindful kids.
On the next few pages, we’ll uncover some of the best yoga poses you can do with your kid!
