Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain grows by the age of 5? This is a critical window, forming the foundation for life-long learning, behavior, and health.
During these years, one of the best things a parent can do is focus on cognitive development. It is the growth and maturation of all cognitive processes, including thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and language acquisition.
Parental involvement can have a huge positive impact on a child’s cognitive development. Here’s what you can do:
Consider Getting an Autism Diagnosis
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is incredibly common in children aged 3-5, but it isn’t diagnosed until later. This can significantly hinder your little one’s cognitive development process. The best thing you can do is have them undergo an autism diagnosis evaluation.
An early and accurate autism diagnosis will ensure timely access to specialized therapies and intervention. Your child will be better able to regulate their emotions and behaviors.
Carefully Choose a Preschool
Many parents overlook this. But your child’s school and teachers greatly influence their cognitive functions. Reputable preschools create a stimulating environment for your child to play and learn.
They utilize play-based activities, such as puzzles, blocks, and role-playing, to encourage exploration and foster innovation. Moreover, reading stories and singing songs can build language skills and foster a lifelong love for literature. Preschools also conduct art activities to boost creativity.
Ask the following questions when choosing a preschool:
- How do you ensure hands-on exploration?
- Do you encourage symbolic and pretend play?
- How do you promote logic and reasoning in a child?
Some proactive research can help you find the right preschool for your child, boosting their cognitive development.
Incorporate Playful Learning Activities
Play is an integral part of a child’s life. And by incorporating games and playful activities in your preschooler’s routine, you can strengthen important executive functions as well as cognitive skills.
Here are some examples:
Puzzles and mazes – they help children recognize patterns and enhance spatial reasoning.
Building blocks – they help boost problem-solving and fine motor skills.
Matching games – they improve your child’s working memory as they learn to retain information for a limited time.
You can also incorporate activities to help your child recognize feelings and thoughts. For instance, you can show your child pictures of people exhibiting varying emotions. Start with basic facial expressions, such as happy, sad, or angry, before moving towards more complex ones, such as embarrassed or shy. Ask your child what the person in the picture is feeling.
Encourage Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is another effective way to boost your child’s cognitive development. It is a multisensory experience that stimulates neural development and enhances executive functions.
Outdoor play can also build a child’s voluntary focus and improve memory. Activities like climbing, running, or playing with natural objects require children to think critically and find solutions to real-world problems.
Hands-on natural experiences stimulate both gray and white matter in the brain, eventually contributing to cognitive development. You can also take them on field trips to museums, zoos, and aquariums to expand their horizons and expose them to new experiences.