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SINGAPORE : Although children of the same age group may display similar behaviour and abilities, their physical and mental abilities and social behaviour develop at their own pace.
For instance, some children may make progress in one area of study such as reading or writing, while making little or no progress in maths.
Even within families, one sibling may be an extrovert, while the other may be shy.
Healthy early mental and physical development for a child begins with good nurturing by parents and caregivers, said Dr Ong Hian Tat, a senior consultant with the Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital.
Environmental influences affect the brain development and this begins well before birth and continues into adulthood.
"Even while toddlers and young children are active participants in their own development, parents and caregivers are important environmental influences," he said.
The physical health and mental well-being of the parents are important so that they can help promote their child's neuro development.
To date, only breastfeeding in infancy has been conclusively proven to be associated with intellectual development.
The intelligence quotient (IQ) advantage increased with the duration of breastfeeding, reaching a maximal plateau after four to six months, said Dr Ong.
For children who are already weaned off milk and taking solid food, a well-balanced diet derived from practising healthy eating habits is most important for proper physical growth and good brain development for life.
According to Dr Ong, follow-up studies in developing nations showed that skipping breakfast, negatively affected children's academic achievement.
While there may be no specific food that is proven to increase a child's intellectual potential, nevertheless, contends Dr Ong, there may be a small select group who may be deficient in important minerals, micro-nutrients or vitamins that can adversely affect their cognitive development.
Of these vitamins and minerals, the most important is iron deficiency in early infancy, "where the poorer physical and mental development can persist even after supplements were started later in life", he said.
Besides iron, the lack of other minerals such as zinc and iodine have also been reported to be associated with some impairment in a child's physical and mental development.
It is obvious to all parents that children would rather play than study. And that might not necessarily be a bad thing.
Playing with educational toys can stimulate good mental development in children.
Selecting toys, said Dr Ong, are vital to aid the brain wire itself properly during childhood when it has the capacity to change its structure.
"Any toy can be used to stimulate learning," he said. "The toy must also match the development and individual needs of each child."
In general, minimally structured toys allow children to explore various themes and indulge in fantasy.
This makes children engage in longer hours of play.
Drawing paper, paints, play-doh, construction wooden blocks and rag dolls with costumes are some examples of such toys.
Highly structured toys such as toy vehicles and soldiers allow for only limited imaginative play.
"Toys should not be a substitute for love and unconditional attention from parents. They only provide a bridge for the child's interaction with parents and caregivers," said Dr Ong.
Adequate rest and sleep is also vital, and often parents do not realise that insufficient sleep or rest is detrimental to their child's physical and mental development.
This can result in hyperactivity and behavioural problems that can adversely affect the child's learning in school and social interactions, said Dr Ong.
Ensuring a child's physical and mental development requires some work, but it need not be that difficult.
A loving and dependable family structure, appropriate environmental stimulus for play and education, a balanced diet and adequate sleep and rest can just about do the trick. - TODAY
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