The secrets to raising smart kids.

"Success starts at home and there is only so much school and teachers can teach your kids"

Raising smart kids is not rocket science as kids actually love to learn and having parents that are supportive will give your son or daughter a real edge. Success starts at home and there is only so much school and teachers can teach your kids as a lot of it will come from you. Being an involved parent and standing by your child while helping them achieve their potential is a sure fire way to have a smart well-adjusted kid. Here are a few ways you can raise smart kids and help your child in every way possible.
  • Feed the brain- A child needs to be eating a well-balanced diet to fuel the body as such, nutritional food is vital for a growing brain and a growing child. As a parent you can adopt a healthy eating attitude for you and your kids at home and leave treats for the weekends or special occasions. Not only will this benefit your child but the whole family and keeping active is also important as eating well is not enough, exercise is vital too.
  • Teach them commitment- Kids will learn from their parents and showing them how to be committed to something is important as they get older and may give up on things they once loved. Let them know that you don’t have to be the best and that while they may not be the best football player they turn up for training and their commitment to the team will get them a starting place in the game.
  • Show the how to control themselves- Showing your kiddie that everything doesn’t always go to plan but it is how they react to those situations that matters most. Your child should know that good behaviour, manners and respect are better than losing control and getting angry at the world, and in the long run self-control is superior.
  • Encourage them to be self-confident and have belief in their abilities- Your kid needs to know that they can be anything they want to be in life, but they have to work for it and believe they can make it happen. As a parent you can only do so much you can encourage them to reach for the stars but your child has to actually do the work but together you both will be a strong force.
  • Good things come to those who wait (patience) - If your kid wants to do something it may take time to get there, and it may not be easy to go through it. However once they achieve it they will be the happiest they have ever been. Teaching your nipper to persevere and battle on rather than throwing the towel in at the first sign of trouble is a very valuable lesson.
  • Love and support your kid- You don’t have to be an overprotective parent or put a huge amount of pressure on them, really it is about showing your child ways to be smart. Your kid doesn’t have to be a genius but they can still be successful with your guidance and support.
Written by Emma, Irish mummy blogger and staff writer at www.familyfriendlyhq.ie 
Check out her own blog at emmasmadjotters.com

Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes is a busy mum to two girls aged 17 and 11 and is married to her childhood sweetheart.

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