•  
  •  

Nurturing Your Child to Improve Learning and Attention

Topic Overview

The following are suggestions for nurturing your child to help improve his or her learning and attention.

  • Give frequent physical contact. Touch and hold your baby as much as possible during the first 6 months of his or her life. You will not spoil your baby. Your baby needs frequent physical contact to grow and develop.
  • Limit exposure to television as much as possible before age 2. When your child is age 2 and older, one hour or less of TV a day is plenty. Make sure the programs your child watches are appropriate for his or her age.
  • Choose age-appropriate toys, and provide a safe play environment. Toys that stimulate the brain are recommended, such as books, blocks, and puzzles. Use a playpen or gate to ensure the play area is safe from potential hazards, such as stairs or pets.
  • Encourage your child to play. Find some time each day to play with your child. Choose games and play activities that encourage conversation, such as reading and board games. Also, allow your child some time to play alone.
  • Make sure your child gets enough sleep and rest each day. Don't interrupt your child's sleep unless it is necessary. You may want to use soft music to help your child relax; some people suggest playing soft music that does not contain words for 30 minutes each day.
  • Encourage your child to eat healthy foods and to develop healthy eating habits. Limit the amount of sugar and fat in your child's diet. Also, don't allow your child to have juices, sports drinks, or soda pop before a meal.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Revised April 12, 2010

Last Revised: April 12, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.