This is the first time that my seven year old has had to sit for a formal assessment of her work and so it was a learning experience for all. As parents, it is our responsibility to prepare and guide our children to perform to the best of their abilities. Therefore, we do everything in our power to make sure our child excels, every religious ceremony and blessing is done and received. When we look after a plant we make sure that for it to flourish and bear fruit the correct elements of water and sunshine are provided. Therefore in the same sense if our children’s brains are not healthy and nourished the outcome is poor. 

 

 

Studies have shown that 90% of a child’s brain develops during the first five years of his/her life. It is during that time that the stage is set for their intelligence, emotional stability and personality. Mark Fenske, neuroscientist and author of ‘The Winner’s Brain’ explains that powerful brains also come from healthy bodies.

 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull lad!

 

Research has been recently published which shows that the parts of children’s brains that are associated with memory and cognitive function are larger in those kids who are more active. It has also shown that children who engaged in increased physical activity did better in maths, reading and spelling. Usually during exam time, mostly due to lack of time, we stop all other extracurricular activities, but I think as parents we should reconsider. We should let our kids still have their fair share of swimming, basketball or tennis since the increased physical activity will help our kids to remember easier, thus be more focused and eventually get better grades. 

 

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

 

A healthy body creates a healthy brain. We want our kids to eat healthy all the time but during exam time please make a concerted effort to make sure that they have an increased amount of fish, eggs, nuts, fruits and vegetables. These foods all provide Omega 3 and 6, fatty acids and antioxidants which are necessary for the healthy maintenance of kids’ brains. It is also important to cut down on sugar during this time. By limiting sweets and sugary drinks you can prevent sugar rushes and low-blood sugar crashes that can cause kids to become distracted and behave erratically.

 

 

What’s the story morning glory!

 

It is common sense that children who don’t get a good night sleep are grumpy and moody. Usually when children’s bodies are fast asleep their brains are hard at work digesting and cementing work they have learnt to memory. Children who get no sleep, in the sense, those who have late nights or are frequently disturbed during their sleep, have difficulty retaining information. I know lots of working parents who push their children’s bedtimes so they can spend some time with their children, this is not always a good thing, since ultimately your child is not receiving the adequate amount of sleep required for a healthy child. Usually children at that age need a good 8 to 12 hours of sleep.

 

 

Music is the food to the soul

 

Studies have shown that music stimulates the cognitive, verbal and emotional centres of the brain. Therefore to have happy, wholesome children make sure you squeeze a few hours of piano, violin etc into their busy schedule of maths and Sinhala tuition.

 

 

As a parent I am always looking for ways to make sure my kids are happy and healthy so hopefully these helpful hints will be useful.

 

(Text by By Mayuri Jayasinghe)