6 Ways To Raise A Smart Toddler

Some believe that children are naturally born smart while some believe that kids learn the best from their parents. These are six effective ways to enhance a toddler's knowledge and experience to make them grow smart.

1.     Keep them talking

Toddlers between 18 months to 2 years of age can say about 50 to 100 words which mean the more you talk to the toddler, the more words they are able to learn, according to Tracy Cutchlow, editor of "Brain Rules for Baby". Many experts recommend, "sharing your day" which is a great way to expose the toddler to new words.

2.     Keep them reading

Reading stimulates the brain to make connections and build background information about the world, according to Parents. "Reading is the foundation of all learning and will enable a child to absorb and apply content from all areas, including math and science," Kim Davenport said, chief program officer at Jumpstart which is a national early literacy organization.

3.     Teach them emotions

Intellectual intelligence is just as important as developing emotional intelligence. It would help develop a toddler's cognitive and social development when things are explained to them. For example, help explain why things are an accident so that the toddler will not hold a grudge or think an accident was on purpose.

4.     Create creative spaces

Creating an environment that is imagination-friendly can foster a toddler's natural creativity. Instead of buying the latest toys and gadgets, an empty box and crayons can be just as good by creating something from nothing.

5.     Seize moments that can be teachable

Instead of pointing things out, ask a question to help encourage a toddler's observation of details. For example, a trip to the store can be a great way to seize the moment by naming each fruit as they are being bagged or having a toddler compare prices and sizes.

6.     Praise good results

Research shows that kids work harder and do better in school when their parents praise their effort instead of just praising their intellect, according to Baby Center. The focus should be on what the toddler did to produce the work instead of the outcome, which will help children associate hard work with success.