The good news is that intelligence changes. The bad news is that intelligence changes. Are you confused yet? Over the past two decades, a great deal has been learned by brain researchers about human intelligence. A key finding is our intellectual ability changes throughout our life times. The word used to describe this is brain plasticity. This is very good news for those whose intellects are improving. It is terrible news for those going the other direction.

The fact that intellectual ability can improve or regress should cause parents to ask themselves, “How can I help my children to be in the former rather than the latter group?”

Though brain understanding has grown significantly over the last decades, neuroscientists admit our knowledge is still in its infancy. Because of this, it makes one hesitate to say anything is proven beyond a doubt in this area. However, the points below are supported by many educators today.

To help children improve their intellects, parents can make a difference. One thing they can do is establish positive television habits. Studies have shown that when children watch TV their brain waves typically flat-line. This would indicate the brain is not being stimulated, exercised, and challenged. More than likely this means it is not improving.

Parents can address this in several ways. One is by limiting the quantity of time spent in front of television to lessen its harmful effects. Studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between the quantity of TV time and student grades. Students who spend one hour or less per day in front of television on average have higher grades than students who spend more time in front of the tube.

Children who watch less television have more time for mind enriching activities such as creative play, reading, family conversations and interactive board games. Such past times have been shown to stimulate intellectual growth.

Secondly, parents can watch television with their children and make it a learning experience. Discussing the content of a television program can turn it from a potentially negative experience to a positive one.  This give and take can even improve children’s critical thinking skills and enhance their relationship with parents.

Thirdly, parents can encourage their children to watch learning programs. Programs that occur on the educational, science, travel, or history channels can actually improve students’ knowledge level rather than stunt it. Such programs also give valuable background knowledge that can prepare students for learning in the classroom.

Parents can also positively influence children’s brain development through frequent conversations and discussions. Listening to them explain their ideas, what they are learning, and how they are solving problems is also valuable in promoting brain development. Another valuable strategy to promote children’s brain improvement is giving them varied experiences. Such activities as visiting museums, exploring geographic or historic sites, and interacting with people from different cultures provide valuable background experiences that prepare students for classroom learning. Such experiences also provide valuable brain enrichment.

Brain plasticity provides young people a tremendous opportunity for intellectual growth and improvement. Parents can help their children take advantage of this marvelous brain quality by encouraging them to develop habits and experiences that will make them better thinkers, which will cause their brains to consistently grow and improve.

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