Prioritize a brain-boosting diet. Nutrition directly impacts brain function. To enhance memory, focus, and emotional control, parents should provide their children with a balanced diet. A varied menu should include essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, iron, calcium, and vitamins. Encourage children to consume berries, green vegetables, eggs, seafood, beans, and nuts, while limiting processed snacks, sugary drinks, and caffeine.

Diets high in added sugar are detrimental to a child's brain. Sugar can be addictive and reduce levels of essential neurotransmitters, leading to difficulty concentrating and mood swings.

Encourage physical activity. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving mood and cognitive function. Activities like swimming, cycling, running, or dancing can enhance memory and focus. Children should aim for about 60 minutes of exercise daily.

Engage in enriching activities. Excessive screen time can hinder brain development, disrupt sleep, and affect communication skills. It can also lead to vision problems, delayed motor and language development, and reduced attention spans and memory.

Parents should encourage children to play with toys, read books, solve puzzles, and engage in outdoor activities to develop thinking skills, creativity, and learning abilities. Reading expands vocabulary, develops language skills and imagination, and improves concentration. Books also offer valuable life lessons and strengthen the bond between parents and children.

Prioritize quality sleep. During sleep, the brain processes, organizes, and consolidates information absorbed throughout the day, converting short-term memories into long-term ones. This process improves learning and memory. Children aged 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing screen time before bed, and creating a quiet sleep environment are crucial.

Nurture emotional connections and communication. A child's brain and emotions are strongly linked, facilitating communication with others. Adults should actively listen to children to foster understanding and emotional bonding. This helps children develop confidence, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills.

Le Nguyen (Hindustan Times)