We have a one-year-old daughter, and we want to raise her right. I’ve heard that parents can increase the mental abilities of their children if they stimulate them properly during the early years. Is this accurate, and if so, how can I accomplish this with my baby?

Research has shown that parents can, indeed, increase the intellectual capability of their children. This conclusion was first reached through the renowned Harvard University Preschool Project. A team of researchers led by Dr Burton White studied young children aged eight to 18 months over a 10 year period, hoping to discover which experiences in the early years of life contribute to the development of healthy, intelligent human beings. The results of this important study are summarised below:

- It is increasingly clear that the origins of human competence are to be found in the critical period of development between eight and 18 months of age. The child’s experiences during these brief months do more to influence future intellectual competence than any time before or after.

- The single most important environmental factor in the life of the child is his or her mother. “She is on the hook,” said Dr White, and exercises more influence on her child’s experiences than any other person or circumstance.

- The amount of live language directed to a child (not to be confused with television, radio or overheard conversations) is vital to his or her development of fundamental linguistic, intellectual, and social skills. The researchers concluded, “Providing a rich social life for a 12 to 15-month-old child is the best thing you can do to guarantee a good mind.”

- Those children who were given free access to living areas of their homes progressed much faster than those whose movements were restricted.

The nuclear family is the most important educational delivery system. If we are going to produce capable, healthy children, it will be by strengthening family units and by improving the interactions that occur within them.

The best parents were those who excelled at three key functions:

* They were superb designers and organisers of their children’s environments;

* They permitted their children to interrupt them for brief 30-second episodes, during which personal consultation, comfort, information, and enthusiasm were exchanged; and

* They were firm disciplinarians while simultaneously showing great affection for their children.

Occasionally, information comes along that needs to be filed away for future reference. These findings from the Harvard University Preschool Project are that significant. You will not want to forget those six findings. I believe they hold the keys to raising healthy children.

This article was written by Focus on the Family Malaysia (www.family.org.my) and the Questions and Answers are extracted from “Complete Family and Marriage Home Reference Guide” by Dr James Dobson with permission.