How to Nurture your Kid's Intelligence from Birth

Parenting
March 26, 2025

When a new baby is born, many parents consider how to create an environment that is more suitable for nurturing intelligent development.

Where does one start? 

What are the factors parents should consider when giving their child the best chance possible for intelligence?

There is no one answer that fits all families, but there are some key components that can help create an intelligent environment for any child.

Below are tips to get you started.  

Speak to Your Child Often and From an Early Age

Exposing your child to language and conversation from a young age is crucial for developing their intelligence.

Research has shown that children who are spoken to more often have larger vocabularies and perform better on IQ tests later in life.

Make sure to also vary the types of speech you use with your child.

Try to use a mix of baby talk, emotional talk, and factual talk when communicating with them. This will help them learn to process different types of language and better understand the world around them.

If your family speaks multiple languages, expose your child to all of them.

Bilingualism has been linked with higher IQ scores and increased cognitive abilities.

Exposing your child to other languages can also help them develop a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures. 

A mom and her two kids laying in bed reading a book

Encourage your Child to be Active and Engaged

It is important to encourage your child to be active and engaged with their surroundings.

This means providing them with opportunities to explore, play, and move their bodies.

Children who are physically active and have opportunities for playful learning experiences tend to score higher on IQ tests.

So make sure to create an environment that supports your child's curiosity.

Some ways you can assist your child with this are:

  • Set up a safe space for them to explore
  • Give them plenty of toys and materials to play with
  • Get down on the floor and play with them often
  • Take them on regular trips to new places

This is one good thing to consider when learning how to nurture your kid's intelligence from birth.

Read to Your Child Regularly

Research has shown that children who are read frequently have higher reading achievement scores and superior vocabulary skills than those who are not.

Furthermore, reading aloud to your child has been linked with improved parent-child bonding, increased concentration and attention span, and a love of learning.

Make sure to set aside some time each day to cuddle up with your little one and share a book. It's an investment that is sure to pay off in the long run.

This is an important step when learning how to raise a smart child.

Model a Love of Learning

As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher.

So you must model a love of learning for them.

This means taking an active interest in the world around you and sharing your knowledge with your child. It also means encouraging them to ask questions and seek out answers. Some other things you can do are:

  • Visit the library often
  • Attend museum exhibitions
  • Download educational apps and games
  • Talk about current events
  • Watch documentaries together

Doing things like this will not only help your child become smarter, but it will also foster a special bond between the two of you.

If you never stop learning yourself and your child will follow suit. Showing off your enjoyment of curiosity is a good step when learning how to raise a smart child.

a child touching books on a shelf

Explore Musical Interests

Learning how to play a musical instrument has been linked with higher IQ scores.

So if you want to give your child a boost in intelligence, consider enrolling them in music classes or letting them explore their musical interests at home.

Not only will they reap the cognitive benefits of playing an instrument, but they will also have a lot of fun in the process.

Musicians can also open up a great community of people to engage. They are often creative, outgoing, and great fun to be around.

This is another good tip for how to nurture your kid's intelligence from birth.

Value Good Sleep and Nutrition

Getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet are important for all aspects of health, including cognitive function.

Make sure your child is getting plenty of rest each night and eating nutrient-rich foods during the day. This will help them to perform their best mentally and physically.

You should avoid foods that are high in sugar and processed ingredients as they can lead to poor concentration and mood swings.

Instead, focus on feeding your child whole foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are essential for brain health and development.

Some great examples include:

  • leafy green vegetables
  • berries
  • nuts and seeds
  • fatty fish
  • avocados
  • olive oil
  • dark chocolate

You can also supplement your child's diet with a high-quality multivitamin to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. This is a good step to remember when learning how to raise a smart child. 

Seek Professional Help If You Feel That is Necessary

If you are concerned about your child's development or think they may need more guidance in their learning development, then don't hesitate to seek professional help.

There are many experts out there who can offer advice and support.

You can also look into early intervention programs that are designed to help children with developmental delays.

These programs provide a range of services, including therapy, education, and family support.

Disclaimer

The information presented in this blog post is meant to be used for informational purposes. This information here should not be used as a substitute for official medical advice from a licensed professional.

Conclusion

Nurturing your child's intelligence from birth is important for their future success.

There are many things you can do to give them a boost, including reading to them regularly, modeling a love of learning, exploring musical interests, and valuing good sleep and nutrition.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to raising smart, successful kids. However, there are certain things that you can do as a parent to give your child a head start in life.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Parenting

How can I teach my child persistence?

You can teach your child persistence by modeling the behavior yourself, encouraging them to take risks, setting goals and tracking progress, praising effort, and providing support and guidance.