Mumbai:
Talking too much to your kids or when around it can boost their brain power, according to new research.
The researchers fitted tiny audio recorders into the clothing of 107 children aged two to four. Their interactions with parents and other caregivers were recorded in the home environment over three days for up to 16 hours per day
The study published in the Journal of Developmental Psychologyfound youngsters exposed to large amounts of speech by their parents had higher IQs and better cognitive skills.
The children, aged two to four, also tended to have better non-verbal skills such as reasoning, numeracy and shape awareness.
High quality adult speech also helps in improving the language learning capabilities and vocabulary of the kid. Such kind of kids knew a greater variety of words themselves.
As reported by ANI, lead author of the study, Katrina d'Apice, said: "Using the audio recorders allowed us to study real-life interactions between young children and their families in an unobtrusive way within the home environment rather than a lab setting.
"We found that the quantity of adult spoken words that children hear is positively associated with their cognitive ability. However, further research is needed to explore the reasons behind this link - it could be that greater exposure to language provides more learning opportunities for children, but it could also be the case that more intelligent children evoke more words from adults in their environment."
The study also analysed the recordings to look at the impact different parenting styles might have on the children's behaviour.
Researchers found that positive parenting - where parents are responsive and encouraging of exploration and self-expression - was associated with children showing fewer signs of restless, aggressive and disobedient behaviours.
The study finally highlights that early life experiences should be as dynamic and changeable rather than static for a better upbringing of the kids.
