An intellectual diet

As a closet student of the neurosciences, I've always devoured information on brain development, in general, and the intellect, specifically.  The field has long understood that activity and experiences are drivers of neural development, but I don't think the development of intelligence is as widely understood.  We could write a dissertation on just what intelligence even is, in fact.  But if we think about it very simply as the purposeful application of thinking skills, we can begin to see that it is something distinct from academic knowledge, and, moreover, that it is not an automatic byproduct of that knowledge.  In other words, knowledge is power only when it is actually applied - and learning to do that is a skill in and of itself.

Intelligence is manifested differently in different domains, but it is essentially an active brain function that involves the construction of knowledge, the manipulation of information to solve problems, and the creation of new ideas and solutions.  Intelligence is dynamic and ever-evolving, but the foundation for its capacity is laid very early in life. Despite that it is always a work in progress, science is showing us that we have critical opportunities and windows of time to most powerfully influence its development.  Some important take-aways are these:

• Genes provide the blueprint for brain development, but it is the outside world that influences both its physical structure and the way it functions
• Early experiences and environmental influences determine how genes are expressed and even whether some are ever expressed at all (i.e, the brain is uniquely organized in response to experiences)
• The brain is "plastic" and will continue to organize and develop throughout the lifespan (albeit more slowly with advancing years)
• The three most powerful sources of stimulation to a growing brain are movement, nutrition, and relational interactions

So, how can we take advantage of this knowledge to maximize our children's intellectual potential? Scientific evidence across disciplines leads us to some broad conclusions about how a child's diet of activity and experiences shapes the physical brain and contributes - or interferes - with developing intelligence.  As you organize family life in 2016, consider these opportunities to positively impact your child's developing intellect.

Provide a diet rich in:

1. Natural whole foods
2. Language shared in conversation with adults and literature read aloud and discussed
3. Daily unstructured time for child-directed play
4. Daily time for processing and relaxing
5. Purposeful movement
6. Sensory experiences
7. Opportunities to explore the natural world - deeply 
8. Love, Hope and encouragement
9. Ritual and routine
10. Faith and prayer

Limit "calories" from:

1. Sugary treats and processed foods 
2. Adult-directed play and activities
3. Schedule-packed days
4. Car seat time
5. Virtual experiences
6. Screen time (TV, video games, computers, mobile devices)

DNA isn't destiny.  The choices we make can change our genes and those of our kids. Let's be intentional about filling their childhoods with healthful offerings and limiting developmental toxins. It's the best shot we can give them at intellectual power - and mental and emotional health.