healthy food

How To Ensure You Are Feeding Your Child’s Curiosity

“Mum where do babies come from”
“Dad why doesn’t Grandpa have hair?
“When dogs die do they go to doggie heaven?
“Why don’t we have a flying car?”

There are just some of the questions that I have been asked. Children are like sponges and are soaking up everything in their world. The older they get they start to have preferences and their characters start to come out.
Children are different, some children talk a mile a minute while some are more reserved. Some children are shy while some are ready to be the center of the show. While children can be very different they are all the same in that they are curious about the world around them. Questions are a window to the way a child is developing.
According to research from UNICEF, brain development can continue through life, it is most rapid before birth and through the early childhood period of life. 90% of brain growth occurs during the first five years of a child’s life.

According to research from UNICEF, brain development can continue through life, it is most rapid before birth and through the early childhood period of life. 90% of brain growth occurs during the first five years of a child’s life.

Curiousity

Ways of Encouraging Curiosity

Through Food

What children eat plays such a big part in their growth and brain development. Nutrition is one of the greatest sources of influence on babies in the womb and during the early years. Eating the right way and a proper balance of nutrients in the formative period is critical for normal brain development.

Overall a child will mimic what he or she has been exposed to so it is important to expose your child to a healthy and balanced diet early. The right exposure will ensure that as they grow they will more easily lean towards healthy choices.

healthy food
One of the best ways to incorporate healthy eating habits is to have family meal times and model proper eating habits to your children. Reduce the instances of fast foods and encourage healthy home cooked meals, eating out should be a one in awhile treat.

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Through Communication

Children thrive on communication, they learn best when you spend the time to talk with them about the world around them and their feelings. This should not change as they get older and you start to discuss their opinions. Children ask questions daily and one of the privileges of being a parent is being in a position to help them shape their world.

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If a child hears “stop’, “don’t” “Keep quiet” often they will be limited in their sense of wonder and exploration – they will start to associate curiosity with disapproval and this will limit their growth.
Children thrive on having time with their parents – so give them the gift of your presence not your absence. The loving presence of the parents goes a long way in encouraging children to explore their world and develop and grow.

Through Education

Though some might see it as just play, the early years of education play a crucial role in brain development and the growth of a child. Children thrive best in learning environments that encourage them to be active learners. On a daily basis learning through play is advised and should be encouraged. These include activities such as arts and craft, drawing, puzzles, reading books, which are critical in getting children to learn.

Read the full article on GrowUpSmart.com

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