As a parent you want the best for your children–the best care and the best future. You want your children to have a healthy body and mind, to grow and become the best they can be. You want the healthiest food for them and the best learning opportunities. You may already have a good idea about providing them with the best food for their bodies, but how do you feed their brain?
A child’s brain is like a giant computer, taking in everything it sees or hears and storing it. You may not remember everything that happened on your second birthday, but it is still stored in your subconscious mind. Your child’s brain is the same. It is recording what you say, how you say it, and everything you do. You are the software engineer for your child. How can you make sure that you are installing the program most likely to benefit your child?
Here are three steps you can follow to feed your child’s brain.
Consider what you say to them. Are you focusing on what they do well and what you appreciate about them? Are they hearing that they are capable and worthy? Do they know what they do right? When they need guidance, do they hear something like, “Let me show you a better way to do that.” Do they experience frequently that they are loved?
Children, especially children with special needs, can be extremely trying. They can test your patience to the max and then some. You will need to take time for self-care. Have a confidant you can vent to. Pursue hobbies that rejuvenate you. And then when you are with your child, remember the computer you are programming. What script do you want for this most important project of your life?
There is an interesting benefit for parents here. Your mind can only focus on one idea at a time. As you focus on what is right with your child instead of what is wrong, your attitude about them changes. You will feel more positive emotions that allow you to have greater patience for your child. Love is an action word. And actions begin with thoughts. Think about what you love about your child and what they CAN do right.
Do you read to them? Neural pathways are formed when you read to your child. They see the words and pictures and hear your voice as you verbally express the words. They feel a physical closeness as they sit on your lap or next to you. They are able to make connections. They feel that they are loved and valued and make social connections. They also make connections between symbols and sounds, pictures and ideas. They are learning.
Do they see you reading for your own benefit? We are all more influenced by someone does than what they say. Be a positive role model for your child and show them the benefits of reading. This opens up the opportunity to talk about what you read. Learning is increased as ideas are discussed and information is shared. Feed their brains with quality mental fuel.
Teach them to be problem-solvers. It is natural to want to do everything for your child. You love them and don’t want them to struggle. When it is a task they could do on their own, let them do it. Even if is is a task they are attempting for the first time, allow them the opportunity to figure it out. For example, consider a child making a sandwich for the first time. Instead of giving directions, try asking questions? “What materials will you need?” “Is there something you could use instead of a spoon to spread the peanut butter?”
Only ask the questions to guide them. If they are progressing on their own, even if it doesn’t look like a sandwich you would make, let them do it. Give them the opportunity to learn a new skill and learn that they are capable of learning a new skill.
I hope these three suggestions are helpful. In my podcast next Tuesday, I will be interviewing Dr. Jeffrey Knight on nutrition for the brain. He will be talking about nutrients that aid in mental acuity. Do you know what foods benefit your child’s brain the most? Listen to Dr. Knight Tuesday, November 6th in my podcast episode “Nutrition for the Brain.”