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For little ones, it’s anything but brain food
smh.com.au Jan 07, 2008

Small children who eat more than one serving a fortnight of certain types of fish are at risk of developing severe learning and behavioural difficulties that could lead to autism, doctors warned yesterday.

Gaming makes young kids dumber
iTWire - Australia Jan 14, 2008

According to this report from www.news.com.au a special think tank summit was held to discuss the effect on young brains by exposure to electronic games and gadgets. The “Technology industry experts” who gathered to discuss the issue arrived at the conclusion that kids should not be exposed to such devices and games until they are at least seven.

They’re No Baby Einstein’s
News Week Jan 14, 2008

Now that your children are back in school, there is something you should know. I’m afraid your kid isn’t a genius! Chances are he or she isn’t even gifted. Don’t feel bad. By the most generous definition, only about 5% of kids can be considered gifted according to educators. Even fewer rate as actual geniuses; those sticklers at MENSA accept only those people whose IQ puts them in the top 2 percentage of population. So, let us face the truth: 95% of our kids are not gifted.

Clever and cleverer
Guardian Unlimited Jan 6, 2008

Are people smarter than they used to be? In the sense that we are more capable of handling the logic of hypotheticals, yes.

First Two Years of Child Crucial for IQ Development
NI Wire Dec 26, 2007

A recent study published in the journal Science says that a child’s IQ depends on the quality of family environment he gets in the first two years of life being the most crucial. The team of researchers includes health professionals and child specialists from leading and famous institutions of the world. In many cases, the quality of parenting provided by the parents also influence the way in which a child grows and behaves in the later stages of life. Children raised in a cordial and helpful atmosphere are known to perform better both in academics as well as social behavior.

The Secret to Raising Smart Kids
Scientific American Nov 28, 2007

Raising smart and intelligent kids is a tough and challenging job to all parents. Though intelligence and IQ of a child depends entirely on the genes, it is still possible to make your child smart and intelligent, by teaching a number of skills and techniques.

Brainy Babies
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Oct 23, 2007

Every mother’s dream is to give birth to a healthy baby…who just so happens to off-the-charts intelligent. Studies show that there are actually things you can do while pregnant that will boost your baby’s brain activity before birth.

IQ’s Rise, but are children really Smarter?
LA Times, Oct 27, 2007

James R.Flynn a Professor of Political Science at the University of Otaga in New Zealand, discovered two decades ago, that IQ test scores were steadily rising in the developed world, despite failing schools and stagnant standardized test scores.

Boosting Baby IQ: Experts Weigh In With Prenatal Advice
ABC7 Oct 9, 2007

Classical music, books, and now brainy baby toys — we want our kids to be smart. But what really works? Studies show up to 20 percent of a child’s IQ is influenced by prenatal experience. Experts weigh in on what you can really do to boost intelligence before your child is born.

Is Intelligence inherited?
DailyNews-TSN Oct 14, 2007

The role of hereditary in intelligence is much argued, but there is no doubt that intelligence is inherited in a manner similar to height. Environment also plays a major part, as does physical health and personality. Intelligent parents tend to have intelligent children, but even within one family, some children may be brighter than others

Coordination Determines IQ
The Times of India September 14, 2007

Many areas in the human brain work together to determine a person’s intelligence according to a latest research. In fact it is how efficiently information travels through the brain that determines how smart you are rather than the sheer size of your brain.

Bringing Up Brainy Baby
The Denver Post September 13, 2007

Boulder-based Infoture is selling a device to measure how much parents talk with young children. A small study correlated such speech with the level of later IQ.

Pushy Parents and Baby Genuises
Times Online August 12, 2007

The “gifted child” has never been a popular child - at least not with members of the pedagogic establishment, teachers in the classroom, kids in the playground, egalitarian crusaders and most of all, the parents of children who wished their kids were gifted too.

Brainy Baby Genuises May Not Be So Smart After All
North Jersey August 16, 2007

THE HUGE baby video industry was shaken last week by news of a study questioning the videos’ effectiveness. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Did anyone really believe that watching a Baby Mozart video would produce a musical prodigy?

Is your child normal?
Yorkshire Post July 11, 2007

Is your child developing normally? Every kid is different, of course, but research shows that there are things you could and should be doing to appropriately stimulate and engage your toddler. There is increasing evidence that experience-based brain development in the early years of life sets neurological and biological pathways that affect lifelong health, learning and behaviour.

Ways to Boost Your Child’s IQ (Imagination Quotient)
parents June 15, 2007

“Nurturing creativity is one of the most important things you can do for your child,” says Wendy Masi, PhD, dean of the Mailman Segal Institute of Childhood Studies at Nova Southeastern University, in Fort Lauderdale, and author of Toddler Play. New research indicates that a child’s imagination quotient (aka “the other IQ”) may be a bigger factor in predicting academic success than the more traditional measure of aptitude, her intelligence quotient.

Controversial Study Suggests Eldest Children Have an IQ Edge
ABCNews June 21, 2007

The study, published in the current issue of the journal Science, involved more than 240,000 Norwegian men who took IQ tests when they entered the military. In most families, the scores of the firstborn were three points higher than the second child, and four points higher than a third.

As for the reasons behind the apparent intelligence gap, Kristensen and other researchers insist it is not due to nature but nurture, with the firstborn enjoying the fruits of undivided attention early in life.

Yes, bigger brains mean higher IQ, on average
PakTribune June 23, 2007

People with bigger brains tend to score higher on standardized tests of intelligence, according to new study findings. However, study author Dr. Michael A. McDaniel of the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond emphasized that these findings represent a general trend, and people with small heads should not automatically believe they are less intelligent.

Emotional maturity beats IQ for success
Jamaica-Gleaner June 22, 2007

A new study has found a significant correlation between the grade point average (GPA) of students and their level of emotional-social intelligence (ESI), especially in relation to adaptability and stress management.

This suggests that students who are more emotionally and socially intelligent - or aware of themselves and others - are better able to adapt to circumstances and to manage stress, and as a result, these students have a higher level of academic achievement.

Finger length key to child’s success: study
National Post May 24, 2007

Parents may be able to predict how well kids will do in math and reading by measuring their fingers, British scientists claim. The hormones in the womb that create good math skills also make a child’s ring finger longer than the index, or pointing finger, say University of Bath researchers.

Why spring babies could do worse at school?
DailyMail May 8, 2007

Babies born in the spring could be less intelligent because of the effect of pesticides, doctors warn. A study of more than 1.5 million children clearly showed that those conceived in the summer - when pesticide use is at its highest - are less clever than other youngsters

SMART class looks a lot like recess
StarTribune May 8, 2007

SMART stands for “Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training.” It’s a program made up of physical activities that stimulate brain growth in children.

What’s our EQ?
The Daily Star Apr 23, 2007

Two factors identify a successful personality - IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient). IQ is constant, and there is not much we can do about it. However, EQ can be manipulated, and depends a lot on the environment in which the children are brought up, on what their parents teach them about life, and so on.

Schools to teach emotional IQ
All About You May 2, 2007

Emotional intelligence will be taught to the UK’s teenagers from September in a bid to improve the behaviour of the country’s youths. The Social and Emotional Aspects of Leaning (Seal) classes will aim to improve classroom behaviour through teaching conflict-resolution skills, anger management, respect and fair play.

Human Intelligence: Going Beyond Mere IQ
AmericanChronicle Apr 18, 2007

Successful school learning depends on many personal characteristics other than intelligence, such as persistence, interest in school, and willingness to study. In other words, an individual can be intelligent and still do poorly in school if he is bored or does not apply himself.

Boosting brain power: Can you make yourself smarter?
Petoskey News Apr 11, 2007

Nutritional supplements, word games, online IQ tests and fitness regimens can all feed the brain the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function optimally. You can, in fact, make yourself smarter.

The Best Way to Develop Your Child’s Genius
AmericanChronicle Apr 18, 2007

Every parent wants a child whom they can be very proud of. It pays to be able to raise a child who can contribute a lot to the community. Thus, if you think that you want your child to be a gifted one, then it is best to learn how to develop the child’s genius.

Beyond IQ: Youngsters Who Can Focus on the Task at Hand Do Better in Math
Scientific America Mar 26, 2007

Turns out that sheer intelligence is not enough to become a young math whiz. It also takes a good attention span and training your mind to “self regulate” or focus on the task at hand.

The measure for academic success for decades has been a person’s intelligence quotient, or IQ. But new research published in the journal Child Development says that a thought process called “executive functioning,” which governs the ability to reason and mentally focus, also plays a critical role in learning, especially when it comes to math skills.

Parent to Parent: Baby brains
WHDH-TV Mar 26, 2007

“Just having a conversation, even though it’s a one-sided conversation, increases their vocabulary connections and language connections.” Another baby step is showing them how much you love them. Bridget Martel, brain researcher:”Touching and snuggling and cuddling and smooching and kissing their cheeks are all really fun to do, but we’ve found it really has a big impact on the brain with the connections they make. That power of touch is incredibly important with neurological connections.”.

Choosing The Best Room Colors For Baby Development
KSDK Mar 21, 2007

While most parents opt for pastel shades to both dress their baby and decorate their rooms, a new study in the US has suggested brighter colors could help develop babies’ eyes and brain.

Spending time supports child’s brain development
Scoop Feb 23, 2007

Leading paediatricians say giving children time is especially important for growth and development in the first three years of life. New Zealand Brainwave Trust’s medical spokesperson Dr Simon Rowley, says research suggests children who are nurtured, given every opportunity to explore the world and enjoy a variety of positive experiences, become flexible, empathetic and intelligent members of society in later life.

Performance IQ and gene link confirmed
Record Mar 8, 2007

If you’re particularly good with puzzles or chess, the reason may be in your genes. A team of scientists led by School of Medicine psychiatric geneticists has gathered the most extensive evidence to date that a gene that activates signaling pathways in the brain influences one kind of intelligence. The researchers confirmed a link between the gene CHRM2 and performance IQ, which involves a person’s ability to organize things logically.

Your brain on music
NTimes Colonist Feb 25, 2007

Subsequent studies on the effects of playing music have shown it also helps to develop linguistic, logical, mathematical and co-ordination skills in children. Some of the leading research in this area is taking place in Canada.

ALPHA bets gifted can be identified at kindergarten
FortWayne.com Mar 5, 2007

I can tell you that any child who can read going into kindergarten is going to have a problem in kindergarten. They’re going to be bored out of their mind.

Bilingualism may increase brain power
UE Crescent Feb 16, 2007

Bilinguals get far more practice than monolinguals in using the part of the brain that focuses our attention, helping us sort through conflicting information and ignore distractions. Using two languages seems to bolster rapid decision-making, multitasking and perhaps memory.

Smart Strategy: Think of the Brain as a Muscle
LiveScience.com Feb 8, 2007

Students who are told they can get smarter if they train their brains to be stronger, like a muscle, do better in school, a new psychology study shows. Many people have various theories about the nature of intelligence. Some view it as a fixed trait, while others see intelligence as a quality that can develop and expand.

Study finds music good for children’s minds
ABC News Feb 7, 2007

Many kids take music lessons as a hobby. But, a new study confirms what many people have long suspected: that these lessons are actually good for a child’s mental development.

Parents spend more time watching TV than talking to their children
Daily Mail Feb 9, 2007

The findings sparked warnings that busy parents are failing to realise the importance of conversation in the home. Scientific studies have shown that talking to children, especially under-fives, is crucial for brain development.

Relationship Problems May Affect Baby’s IQ
ABC7News Jan 30, 2007

A new study claims that children born to mothers who experience relationship problems during their pregnancies have lower than average intelligence and are more prone to anxiety, scientists said. The study done at Imperial College London found that women who reported high stress levels in the months before birth had babies who scored lower in mental development tests than mothers with calmer pregnancies, according to the Telegraph.

Mother’s rows in pregnancy ‘affects IQ of baby’
Telegraph.co.uk Jan 27, 2007

Children born to mothers who had relationship problems during their pregnancies have lower than average intelligence and are more prone to anxiety, scientists say. Women who reported high stress levels in the months before giving birth had babies who scored lower in mental development tests than those whose mothers had calmer pregnancies.

Helping Baby’s Brain Develop
KFYR-TV Jan 23, 2007

You may think kids do most of their learning once they start school, or even preschool. But the truth is, learning starts much earlier than that. They’re learning even as babies. In fact, recent research show the first three years of life are critical to your child’s brain development.

SMART BABY FOOD NEWS

Breast milk boosts preemies’ IQ scores
Canada.com Oct 1, 2007

Even the tiniest premature babies should get breast milk while they are in a hospital’s intensive care unit because it appears to boost their mental development, a study says today. A second study on breast feeding found that it does not raise the risk that children will develop tooth decay later in life, as some earlier research had suggested.

Thumbs up for breast milk
ChannelNewsAsia July 31, 2007

Here’s a good reason why junior should be breastfed: A Harvard School of Public Health’s Nurses Study has found that a mother’s milk is beneficial for her baby’s weight, as breastfed infants are less likely to grow into obese children.

Eat right during pregnancy for a better baby
Nashua Telegraph Aug 1, 2007

Choline is a nutrient needed in larger amounts during pregnancy for normal brain function and memory. Studies report offspring with “supercharged” brains and superior memory when moms consumed more of this nutrient in pregnancy. Infants exposed to adequate levels of omega-3 while in the womb showed advanced attention spans and greater visual acuity than non-exposed children.

Eating Fish During Pregnancy Provides ‘Brain Food’ for Child
MedPageToday Feb 16, 2007

Women who eat seafood while pregnant may be boosting their children’s IQ in the process, according to new research published Friday in The Lancet.

Nordic Naturals Introduces Prenatal DHA(TM) — An Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplement for Pregnant Women
NPI Center Jan 8, 2007

Nordic Naturals, a leading supplier of omega-3 fish oils and EFA blends in the natural products industry, introduces Prenatal DHA, developed especially for pregnant women to ensure adequate DHA levels.

SMART BABY EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Talk Enough? Interaction Crucial to Child’s Development
Los Angeles ABC September 28, 2007

All kinds of videos and computer programs promise to help prepare your toddler for school. But educators say the best preparation is talk from a parent or caregiver. But how much talk do you need?

Lack of Love Could Impair A Baby’s Development
CBS4 September 12, 2007

On any given day, blood curdling screams of abused and neglected children being separated from their parents, caretakers and siblings can be heard ricocheting through the halls of Miami-Dade juvenile court.

Extreme Parenting
The Atlantic August, 2007

Common wisdom holds that it is wholesome and American to give children the best chance for success: to fill their rooms with lush playthings, to adorn their walls with bright alphabet letters and their plates with mercury-free salmon.

At child development center, play is work and work is fun
VenturaCountyStar July 28, 2007

“You have to use play as the medium for children to learn, because that’s what they do,” said Robin Millar, the center’s administrative director. “Those are their tools.”.

Fathers play important role in their child’s development
Pocono Record June 20, 2007

Fathers are critically important to the cognitive development of their children. Interestingly, it appears that mothers may be more genetically important to the overall cognitive function for their children. However, though the genetic impact on cognitive function from the father does not seem as important as that of the mother, the action of the father is very important.

Getting Kids Back to Nature
healthnewsdigest June 17, 2007

The outdoors is the best place for young children to practice and master emerging physical skills and to experience the pure joy of movement. It’s also the place where they’re likely to burn the most calories, which is absolutely necessary in the fight against obesity. Additionally, the outside light stimulates the pineal gland, which is the part of the brain that helps regulate the biological clock, is vital to the immune system, and simply makes us feel happier.

Young child’s brain is wired to learn new languages
InsideBayArea Mar 25, 2007

A child’s brain is primed to learn languages - at least for the first 10 to 12 years of life. After that, many researchers believe language acquisition is more difficult as we progress through adolescence and adulthood.

Toddlers benefit from tumbling
argus Observer Mar 25, 2007

One way children’s brains develop hand manipulation and body awareness is through tumbling or gymnastics, Becky Wolery, All Star Gymnastics and Cheerleading, said. “People don’t realize how important it is,” she said. “Motor skills are very important for the brain.”.

Children’s Sleep Problems Can Lead To School Problems
ScienceDaily.com Feb 8, 2007

The study offers one of the first demonstrations that the relationship between children’s performance and sleep may differ among children of different backgrounds. Conducted by researchers at Auburn University and Notre Dame University, it is published in the January/February 2007 issue of the journal Child Development.

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