Every parent wants to give their child nothing short of the best start in life. That begs the question of what exactly is the best start? Is it about how quickly they learn to read and write? Is it about how quickly they start talking or naming countries in the world map? While these are all great things, the most important advantage you can give your child in life is to raise him or her to be an independent, creative and critical thinker. One who walks through life with confidence. The best way to make this happen is to train your child’s brain development from young. Here are some ways you can do so.
Less Stress, More Love!
Did you know that children are highly sensitive to stress? Whether it’s in the form of stress they pick up from you, or stress they face, exposure to stress can have long-term negative consequences for your child’s brain development1. As such, one of the most important things that you can do to support your child’s brain development is to understand your child’s needs and to respond sensitively to them. To make this happen, you need to spend time talking and getting to know your child, as well as to frequently hold and cuddle him or her. Spend quality time forging bonds and making memories with your child. This will help to protect your child’s brain from stress and create a safe and stable environment1. Remember, nurturing care for your child’s mind is critical for his or her brain growth.
Play Time for the Win!
Parents, put the flashcards aside and play with your children. Play is a fantastic way to help their brains to develop. Playing games, singing songs and engaging in pretend play all help to foster imagination and creativity2. This will support your child’s early brain development as well as put them on a path towards learning and academic success eventually.
Books Open the World for Children
Reading is one of the best things that you can do to support your child’s brain development. Long before your child can recognise letters or blend sounds, reading the Kumon workbook or any other books helps your child’s cognitive development and jump starts his or her language and communication skills2. As you spend time reading together, your child starts to connect pictures and words, and eventually recognises words. The bonus? It’s also a great bonding activity and your child will remember the stories you read for a long, long time. On another note, reading also creates a platform for you to discuss stories with your child. This can help to build soft skills such as empathy and perspective taking in addition to promoting critical thinking and questioning. Talk about 21st-century skills!
Never too Early for Basic Math!
Here’s a fun fact – children are born with math ability! This means that it’s never too early to introduce your child to simple math concepts. You can play counting and sorting games with their toys and building blocks or teach them comparison skills and vocabulary3. You can start by comparing how the watermelon is bigger than the apple, for example. All of these will help to sharpen your child’s mind and contribute to brain development. This is a very effective way to train your child’s brain development in early years.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
There are endless activities that you can do to train your child’s brain development but much of it will be in vain if your child is not healthy and well-nourished. It is important that your child eats well and sleeps well to strengthen their immune system and support brain development. Remember, a stronger immune system means fewer sick days and more time for learning and playing. But we know the struggle. It isn’t always possible to ensure that your child has a perfectly balanced diet. One of the way to help your child to get adequate nutrition is by complementing your child’s diet with growing up milk like #Aptamil. Imported from New Zealand, Aptamil Gold+ Growing Up Milk Stage 3 contains #Immuno-nutrients+ to support your child’s immunity.
In addition, Aptamil Gold+ Growing Up Milk Stage 3 with #Immuno-nutrients+ for children aged between 1 and 3 years old is formulated with the highest◊ DHA as compared to other growing up milk in Singapore. This helps to support your child’s brain development to learn many wonderful and interesting things. Supporting your child’s immunity and brain development is a great way to help your child to be prepared for the ever-changing and competitive environment in Singapore, and yes, the preparation starts even before preschool!
As for you, you can be reassured that with #Aptamil Gold+ Growing Up Milk Stage 3, you are providing the very best for your child! To find out more and sign up for a free* 900g Aptamil Gold+ Growing Up Milk Stage 3 sample, visit the their website.
Parents, these are 5 simple ways to support your child’s brain development. By following these tips, you will be doing your part to raise a healthy, happy and 21st – century read child. Remember, what you do today, sets the stage for what is to come in your child’s future so it’s never too early to start!
+Immuno-nutrients referring to Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin C & D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system
◊Applies to Aptamil Stage 3 (128mg/100g) & Aptamil HA Stage 3 (87.3mg/100g) Growing Up Milk vs other Growing Up Milk (Stage 3) sold in Singapore as checked on 23 Sep 2022.
* T&Cs apply. Only applicable for new users. Redemption is strictly limited to one sample per entity. Impersonation of another entity for sample redemption is not allowed (e.g. using another entity’s username, password, or other account information). Multiple accounts creation for the purpose of sample redemption by the same entity will be deemed as fraud and may be reported to the relevant authorities. Excludes infant and follow on formula (0-12months).
