Things That You Can Do to Make Your Kids Smart

Start Early

• You can help boost your child's brainpower beginning when she is still an infant. While multiple studies have concluded that breastfeeding your child can increase his IQ by several points, even a formula-fed infant can learn by interacting with his parents. Talk to your infant constantly, describing your actions and naming items as you use them. For example, as you dress your baby, say things like "We're putting on your shirt now. Over your head, put your arms in the sleeves." As you talk to your baby, she not only learns vocabulary and how to identify common objects, but also the flow of conversation and how to interpret tone and conversational cues.

Read

• Reading to your children, and encouraging them to read, helps improve their intelligence. Start reading to your child when he is an infant and continue to make reading together a part of your daily routine. Make books accessible throughout your home, and get your child a library card as soon as she is old enough. Encourage your child to discuss what he is reading; ask questions to get him thinking about the book and ensure that he comprehends what he is reading.

Encourage Curiosity

• Encourage your child's natural curiosity to help boost her intelligence. Bring her to interactive museums, cultural events and kid-friendly educational activities. Allow him to explore the world and ask questions, and when he asks a question you can't answer, work together to find the solution. Teach her research skills using the computer and other tools. And while it may sound counterintuitive, allow your child to play age-appropriate video games. According to a 2008 study at Fordham University, limited game time can help improve hand and eye coordination while also encouraging skill development in the areas of strategy, planning, problem-solving and memory. In addition to video games, you can help make your kids smarter by providing access to brain-building games and puzzles, such as crossword and Sudoku puzzle books.

Create an Environment for Learning

• All of the puzzles, museum trips and books in the world won't make your child smarter if he is not living in an environment conducive to learning. Children need a balanced diet of healthy foods to encourage brain growth and development. If they eat a steady diet of junk food and high-calorie, high-fat treats, kids are more likely to be tired and sluggish, and less likely to pay attention to teachers or be willing to participate in educational activities. Encourage your kids to get outside and play; a 2004 study by professors of kinesiology at the University of Illinois showed a correlation between physical fitness and higher test scores. And make sure your children get enough sleep --- rest is key to brain development, and well-rested kids are more likely to pay attention and retain what they learn.