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Parents need to realize the important role they play in the overall development of their children's intelligence. Parents can positively influence every aspect of a child's life, including their I.Q. - (Intelligence Quotient). Recent research has suggested that it is possible to improve intelligence in children. The activities listed in this article focus on developing a child's mental faculties.

We will examine how the I.Q. can be influenced by several factors. Some of the factors include environment, overall health, reading, and parental influences.

One of the biggest contributors to improving a child's I.Q. is the creation of a home that is educationally stimulating. This can start as early as when the child is still in the mother's womb. It involves reading and talking to the fetus daily. After birth and as the child grows older, the reading should continue, especially at bedtime. Reading is so important. Parents need to understand that children should be encouraged to read at all times. Children should read several books a month, at least 3-4. This way their intelligence can increase with the knowledge they gain by reading a variety of subjects. Do not limit a child's reading to one subject. Allow them, within reason, to explore a variety of subjects and interests. In addition to reading, singing songs or playing music that is void of profane language and haunting rhythms and lyrics is stimulating for infants and young children.

Their environment should be conducive to progress at all times. That can be done by being in a good school, having positive and intelligent friends, participating in activities that are challenging, and a home environment where educational achievement in stressed. Children should be encouraged to exchange ideas, listen to people and give an intelligent opinion on age appropriate topics without the fear of repercussions from adults. Parents should encourage their children to talk and not be afraid to initiate productive conversation.

Children should always be involved in several activities, both physical and mental. This will help boost the blood flow to different parts of the body including the brain and nervous system. Physical activities will promote clear thinking, stimulate brain activity, and increase concentration. Continuous physical activity will also help to develop gross motor skills, which will allow the body to function properly and give children more endurance for their daily activities.

There are several games and activities, which can help improve I.Q. They include computer games, chess, checkers, backgammon or any board games - which will help children utilize mental strategies, and critical thinking skills which are needed in school. In addition children can learn how to play an instrument which is a great way to help eye and hand coordination as well as improve reading and concentration skills When parents purchase toys for their children, they should purchase those that require mental stimulation as well as physical exertion. These challenges will help improve a child's I.Q. level.

Children should start early taking I.Q. tests to see how intelligent they are. The test can also be used to see what subject areas the child needs to focus on for improvement. Parents can go online and find several free I.Q. tests that only require carefully reading the directions before administering the exam. When taking these tests, parents should make sure that the child has an area conducive to test-taking, and is quiet and peaceful with no distractions.

The following list is a summary of some additional things that can be helpful with improving a child's I.Q. level:

Note: P = Parent Focus / C = Child Focus / P-C = Parent and Child Focus

P-C Eat plenty of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for brain development and function.

One excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids is fish - salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, halibut, and herring; flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, walnuts, and walnut seed oil, to name a few.

Online Resource: University of Maryland Medical Center http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3

P Breastfeeding is important for supplying lots of vitamins and nutrients if the mother is eating a well balanced diet. Otherwise, supplements will need to be provided to assist with the diet.

P-C Eat plenty of vegetables, and fruits. Approximately 5 servings per day.

C Keep children away from lead to prevent lead poisoning. This is leading cause of mental deficiencies often found in lead-based paints.

P-C Daily exercise will promote intelligence. This promotes blood flow not only to the brain, but also to other vital organs of the body.

P Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol while pregnant. There is a direct link to lung cancer from smoking/chewing tobacco products and fetal alcohol syndrome from excessive amounts of alcohol.

C Learn to play some kind of instrument at a young age. This promotes eye-hand coordination and brain concentration.

P Read to and with your child daily and/or at bedtime. This promotes shared, quality time with your child, intellectual stimulation and reading comprehension.

C Children should read for themselves everyday other than at school. This promotes intellectual stimulation and reading comprehension.

P-C Parents should play creative and mind/physically challenging games with their children. This included the new Wii Game.

P Introduce games that have math, spelling, grammar, memorization and logic. This promotes intellectual stimulation and reading comprehension.

P-C Limit mindless, unsupervised television watching.

P-C Limit the amount of sugar and caffeinated beverages that are consumed.

P-C Make breakfast a mandatory meal for all members of the household.

P-C Eat the evening meal together as often as possible to discuss the day's events. Sharing time is important to let each other feel that they are a contributing member of the family unit. Discussion stimulates brain development.

P-C Repetition of facts is needed for some areas of skill development. For example: repeated practice/review of multiplication facts will promote learning and skill acquisition.

Increasing a child's I.Q. is possible if the parent is willing to work with that child. Parents should be patient when working with their children. The I.Q. does not increase overnight. We are all blessed with gifts from God and there may be a limit to what a person can achieve. If parents are ready to provide good nutrition; sound sleep, uninterrupted sleep; enough exercise opportunities, and additional brain boosting activities, children can and will improve their I.Q. level.