Research shows that the more skills children bring with them to kindergarten — in basic math, reading, even friendship and cooperation — the more likely they will succeed in those same areas in school. Hence, “kindergarten readiness” is the goal of many preschool programs, and a motivator for many parents. Continue reading “Want to help your child succeed in school? Add language to the math, reading mix”
Early-life obesity impacts children’s learning and memory, study suggests
A new study by Brown University epidemiologists found that children on the threshold of obesity or overweight in the first two years of life had lower perceptual reasoning and working memory scores than lean children when tested at ages five and eight. The study also indicated that IQ scores may be lower for higher-weight children. Continue reading “Early-life obesity impacts children’s learning and memory, study suggests”
Pregnant moms and their offspring should limit added sugars in their diets to protect childhood cognition
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has determined that poorer childhood cognition occurred, particularly in memory and learning, when pregnant women or their offspring consumed greater quantities of sugar. Substituting diet soda for sugar-sweetened versions during pregnancy also appeared to have negative effects. However, children’s fruit consumption had beneficial effects and was associated with higher cognitive scores. Continue reading “Pregnant moms and their offspring should limit added sugars in their diets to protect childhood cognition”
High-stress childhoods blind adults to potential loss
Adults who lived high-stress childhoods have trouble reading the signs that a loss or punishment is looming, leaving themselves in situations that risk avoidable health and financial problems and legal trouble. Continue reading “High-stress childhoods blind adults to potential loss”
Living close to green spaces is associated with better attention in children
Natural surroundings, including green spaces, may be beneficial for brain development in children, but evidence is still limited. Continue reading “Living close to green spaces is associated with better attention in children”
Mother’s depression might do the same to her child’s IQ
Roughly one in 10 women in the United States will experience depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The consequences, however, may extend to their children, report researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, who found that a mother’s depression can negatively affect a child’s cognitive development up to the age of 16. Continue reading “Mother’s depression might do the same to her child’s IQ”
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