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Genius Toddler Named as Youngest Mensa Member

5 min read
Genius Toddler Named as Youngest Mensa Member

She recently joined the organisation after scoring in the 99th percentile of intelligence for her age. 

A cute toddler from Kentucky, USA officially became the youngest ever member of the high-IQ society Mensa.

Mensa International is an organisation of individuals with a high IQ or intelligence quotient. It is the largest and oldest high IQ society in the whole world. 

It is an organisation that aims to identify, understand, and support intelligence. Additionally, they encourage research into intelligence and create and seek social and intellectual experiences for its members. 

Mensa has members of all ages in around 90 countries across the globe. It aims to provide its members with diverse and exciting opportunities for social, cultural, and intellectual interaction. 

Recently, the organisation welcomed their youngest member of all time— 2-year-old Isla McNabb from Kentucky, USA. 

In this article, you’ll read:

  • Genius Toddler Named as Youngest Mensa Member
  • Parents Want Her to Enjoy Being a Toddler
  • 5 Tips to Help Improve Your Child’s Intelligence

Genius Toddler Named as Youngest Mensa Member

Isla McNabb is a 2-year-old genius toddler from Crestwood, Kentucky, USA. She recently joined the organisation after scoring in the 99th percentile of intelligence for her age. 

Despite being a toddler, Isla McNabb was in the top one per cent of most intelligent people in the world. People believe in a brighter future as she is a child genius with a high IQ. 

Jason and Amanda McNabb are the child’s parents. The two decided to check their daughter’s potential after she started naming objects around the house with toy letters. 

The toddler could accurately label chairs, the sofa and the TV. Aside from that, she could also spell out C-A-T next to the family tabby Booger. 

Intelligent Kids Sleep Less

toddler mensa member

Image Source: iStock

Isla’s parents tend to be quite tired as they take care of their child a little longer than other parents. One downside of highly intelligent children is that they tend to sleep a little less than other kids. 

At first, Mr and Mrs McNabb were worried that their daughter was not getting enough sleep. Eventually, they had to regularly face the ‘disheartening’ prospect of very early mornings. 

In addition, are a few ‘creepy moments’ of the parents with their toddler. Mr Jason McNabb began to realise how clever his daughter might be.

The Incredible Ability of a 2-Year-Old Kid

At the age of 2, Isla McNabb is already proficient with the alphabet. She can demonstrate an incredible ability to sound out letters by herself. 

Because of that, Isla’s parents decided to test her further by trying out words. They began teaching her how to say each letter and then giving her words. They wanted to see if she could put all the letters together and get the sound of the word right. 

toddler mensa member

Image Source: iStock

After applying this teaching method, Isla nailed her parents’ test. In addition, she successfully named various colours. Despite this achievement, her parents noticed she needed time to perfect her pronunciation. This came from the fact that Isla struggled to say ‘orange’ on her first try.

Nevertheless, Isla McNabb picked up hundreds of words; at present, the toddler is not capable of reading different words. Concerning this, it is a skill most children do not pick up until they turn about six or seven years old. 

Indeed, it is incredible to know that a 2-year-old can do such things. What is more admirable is that Isla is also capable of counting and writing. 

Parents Want Her to Enjoy Being a Toddler

While Isla is highly intelligent compared to other kids her age, she is still a toddler. Just like the other 2-year-old kids, Isla also enjoys everything a toddler likes. 

She loves playing outside their house and watching kids’ shows on TV. Aside from that, she also really enjoys recreating the ending to one of her favourite books; it involves all of the letters of the alphabet falling out of a tree.

Due to her astonishing feat, her parents hope she receives a scholarship in the future. With it, Isla gets the challenge to test her skills and test out her full potential. On the other hand, Isla’s parents also want to let her learn at her own pace.

Her promising potential makes her a great candidate for specialised schools but her parents want her to decide for herself. They also want to Isla to enjoy her toddler years as much as she can.

5 Tips to Help Improve Your Child’s Intelligence

There are various ways to develop a child’s crucial skills related to human intelligence. Here are the things you can do to help improve your child’s IQ:

  • Read to improve verbal and linguistic intelligence

Linguistic intelligence is the ability to process information using words and language. It could help the child improve with language and keep their minds sharp. 

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toddler mensa member

Image Source: iStock

  • Playing with Blocks

Puzzles, blocks, memory games, crafts, toys, figurines. These are toys which could help your child develop spatial intelligence. 

  • Engage in Math and Physical Exercises

A child’s fluid intelligence could help develop the skills that would help them in solving problems, discern relationships, and think abstractly. 

  • Support their Interests

Despite your child’s IQ and capabilities, you must let them know or feel that you believe in them. Always showcase your support when they show interest in learning different things. Remember to refrain from limiting them from engaging in new topics that they want to know more about.

  • Praise Them When They Achieve Things

Praise is most effective when it is focused on the process and commitment, not the result. Your child’s learning process and effort should be the main emphasis of your praise.

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Written by

Kamille Uriella Batuyong

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