Young children learn at a faster rate than any other age group – these children’s rapidly-growing brains spend all day taking in and processing new information about the world around them. As you no doubt know, encouraging your child’s growth and development is part of being a good parent. In fact, spending time with your young child and making the most of enjoyable early education opportunities is one of the best things you can do to ensure that he embraces learning new things as he grows. How can you make sure you’re doing your utmost to help your child become intelligent? If you’re taking time for the activities on this list, you may already be well on your way:

• Play with your kid: Participating in play helps build a kid’s imagination while developing social skills. As parents, you should help teach your child how to play, but make sure to let him decide what to play with. Don’t dominate playtime, and always allow him to create new games.
• Read to your kid: If you want your child to develop solid language skills and an active imagination, read to him regularly. According to the National Center for Education Statistics ( www.nces.ed.gov), children whose parents read to them tend to become better readers and perform better in school.
• Encourage social interaction: Let your kid socialize with other kids of his age. This will help him develop good interpersonal habits, learn different games, accept game rules, and share his things with others.
• Go outside: Explore the woods, walk to the park, or just lie down in the grass. Spending quality time outdoors will help your child develop a healthy connection with (and compassion for) nature.

Whatever activities you choose, spending plenty of time in enjoyable interaction with your child is the best way to support his early intelligence. New experiences and activities help children’s brains to generate cell interconnections, ultimately making them smarter – so start playing, and he’ll start learning!