PLAYING video games every day can boost children’s brain power, according to new research.
In a study published this week, those who played three hours a day fared better than non-gamers in tests of memory and thinking speed.
Experts at the University of Vermont in the US used data from surveys, brain scans and thinking tests from 2,000 nine and ten-year-olds.
But if you’re not happy about your kid staring at a screen, there are plenty of other ways to boost their brain health.
Parenting expert and author Tanith Carey said: “Forget workbooks and flashcards, you can boost your child’s brain power simply by changing the ways you interact with them day to day.
“It’s really not as hard as you might think. The way parents talk and play with their children has a vital role in helping their kids’ brains develop.”
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Here, mum-of-two Tanith reveals how to raise a child genius — from the foods they should be eating to the games you should be playing and the questions you should be asking.
AS well as being possibly the most fun form of exercise there is, Tanith says learning a dance routine will improve your child’s memory and co-ordination.
She explained: “Dancing engages lots of different areas of your child’s brain, from music processing to memory and spatial awareness.
“It also encourages the growth of new connections between kids’ brain cells, which makes the regions work better together, as well as giving them a love of moving their bodies.”
LEAVE your kids to it so they can find their own “spark”.
Once they’ve found it, help them to explore their passion.
Tanith said: “Watch carefully and you will see that every child has an activity they are naturally drawn to and would do if left to their own devices.
“Encouraging this will give them more self-belief and confidence, which will cross over into other subjects when they go to school.”
FOOD plays a key role in building a healthy brain.
Scientists have found there are around 45 nutrients that are key to brain health, including protein, zinc, iron and omega-3 fatty acid.
Tanith said: “You can combine a few of the most important nutrients in a home-made superfood smoothie.
“Try some berries, leafy greens such as kale or spinach, which don’t have a strong flavour, plus some seeds or nuts, which contain essential fats for the growth of young brains.”
AS well as creating something yummy to eat, baking with kids includes a range of brain-building activities.
Tanith said: “Kids can practise their motor skills and hand-eye coordination when they stir, roll and knead.
“They will also strengthen the muscles in their hands, which will help improve their writing.
They can develop their maths skills when they weigh and measure ingredients, as well as their reading skills when they follow a recipe.
“Plus, there is a huge sense of achievement afterwards.”
KIDS love to play games such as “shops” and “afternoon tea parties” – and it’s also brilliant for their brains.
Tanith said: “Playing a part in their role-play games helps your little ones improve their conversation and social skills, as well as teaching them to interact, communicate and share with others.
These are all essential skills needed for them to thrive at school.”
A THIRD of families rarely enjoy evening meals together, a study last year revealed, because of the triple whammy of technology, TV viewing and long working hours.
But a wide range of research has found that sitting down together for a meal has a big effect on children’s communication, vocabulary and thinking skills.
Tanith said: “Make it the rule that you will turn off the TV, put away your phones and chat about your day. Even if your child’s just watching you chat, they are still taking it all in.”
BY the age of four, children’s brains are twice as active as an adult’s – and they can ask you more than 70 questions a day.
Tanith said: “Dealing with this barrage can feel exhausting. But building curiosity has been found to be as important as IQ in doing well academically.”
She adds that you don’t have to know the answer to every question, but do try to sound encouraging.
Tanith said: “Even if you don’t know the answer to a question like, ‘Why is the sky blue?’, ask your child why they think it’s that colour.”
YOU’VE read that Peppa Pig story at bedtime so many times you could cry.
But Tanith says re-reading the same book helps your child recognise the shape of the words on the page, essential preparation for reading.
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She adds: “Going back to the same books allows your child to practise their new vocabulary and improve their memory.
“If you want to shake it up, you can bring the same stories to life by giving characters different voices to match their personalities.”
