Intelligence is defined as “the ability of the mind to learn, benefit from what has been learned, adapt to new situations and find new solutions”. According to this definition, an intelligent person is one who evaluates what he has learned and can bring new solutions to new situations.
The baby’s brain cells begin to develop from the third week after fertilization. Most of the development of the physical structure of the brain begins in this period.
Studies show that babies start to learn and memorize what they have learned from the age of three months.
THERE ARE 3 IMPORTANT PERIODS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTELLIGENCE
BEFORE BIRTH;
Hereditary, mother’s mental health, mother’s nutrition,
DURING BIRTH;
The realization of a healthy birth, problems experienced during birth, for example, the baby being without oxygen, slipping from the hand, etc.
POST BIRTH ;
The positive aspects of the mother’s recovery from the confinement, feeding, breastfeeding, love, father’s care and affection, etc.
It is very important to understand the behavioral characteristics of children in general and to descend into their spirit worlds in terms of directing their development. The ability of parents to provide the right education to their children starts with knowing the characteristics of their developmental period.
Even if the child has a normal intelligence level, exposure to insufficient stimuli during developmental periods, insufficient education and training, not providing environments with rich stimuli, low parental interest, and behavioral errors make it possible to use the existing capacity. Although there is no problem with his mental health, one of the reasons why he does not reveal his age-appropriate intelligence capacity is psychological disorders. These include childhood depressions, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, specific learning difficulties, adjustment difficulties, etc. . can happen.
Intelligence tests are used to calculate the intelligence level of the child. Intelligence tests are prepared based on the work that children can do, their skills, and the relationship between numbers, words and forms appropriate for their age.
If we look at the alternative intelligence concepts, 7 different intelligences have been determined according to the multiple intelligence theory of Neuropsychologist Howard GARDNER.
Linguistic intelligence (authors, politicians)
Logical-mathematical intelligence (scientists, philosophers, researchers)
Visual-spatial intelligence (architect, sailors)
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (athletes, artists, dancers)
Musical intelligence (musicians)
Interpersonal intelligence (teacher, salesman, politician)
Self-intelligence (philosophers, scientists)
According to this concept, intelligence is not only cognitive, but also consists of motivational and emotional factors. originates. For example, a student’s failure in math may be due to a dislike for the teacher or feelings of shyness in some cases.
When was the term emotional intelligence first coined?
It was first used by Psychologist Peter Salovey and Psychologist John Mayer in 1990, and later developed by Psychologist Daniel Goleman.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand one’s own emotions, empathize with the emotions of others, and regulate their emotions in a way that enriches life.”
Saloyev, including the concept of personal intelligence abilities of Gardner in his definition of basic emotional intelligence, gathered the abilities that make up emotional intelligence under 5 main headings:
a) SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS
b) MANAGING EMOTIONS
c) TAKING ACTION
d) UNDERSTANDING OTHERS’ FEELINGS (EMpathy
e) MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS
WHAT CAN TEACH PARENTS FOR RAISING HIGH EQ CHILDREN?
Correct communication first. Parents need to be able to establish the right communication based on empathy with their children and teach their children to empathize. In this way, the child will establish good relations with his friends, will be loved at school, at home, in his environment, and will be successful in his relations.
They need to teach their children to take responsibility by giving them responsibility.
Encourage their children to make their own decisions when necessary,
Teach them to look optimistically at events, enable them to participate in social services,
Emphasize helping other people, the importance of cooperation and honesty, and teach them how to deal with any problem when they encounter it, In order for their speaking ability to develop, they need to talk a lot with their children and set an example with their behavior.
It should not be forgotten that children grow up by imitating their parents.
Parents’ Duties
Feuerstein emphasizes that passivity is the most important problem of inadequate learning.
Intelligence develops not by acquiring facts, but by learning how to obtain facts.
Based on Feuerstein’s suggestions regarding the enrichment of intelligence, it can be said that if parents ask themselves the following questions and the answers are “yes”, they really make an effort for the development of their children.
Do you enable your child to be active in activities?
Do you repeat over and over what needs to be learned?
Do you encourage your child to actively explore and explore?
Have you made your home safe for your child?
Do you offer various toys and objects to your child?
Do you constantly talk and communicate with him?
Do you help your child to connect cause and effect?
When your child makes noises or talks to you in the older age group, do you approach with affectionate words?
Do you take care not to shout or use physical punishments?
Do you show your child that you care?
The mental development of the baby at 0-6 months
He discovers himself and his surroundings with his eyes, ears, hands and feet.
Likes to create effects in the environment resulting from his own actions.
For example, when you laugh, the other person laughs as well. When you see people you don’t know, don’t cry, smile, etc. Imitate some gestures, do not do something you did before, such as holding hands or smiling when you see that person again.
7-12 months baby
Reacting to the appearance and disappearance of objects. Object permanence, such as looking after the ball being played away, Drawer, cabinet opening, emptying, Showing object relations, TV, remote etc. ,Being interested in picture books, Remembering and repeating people, objects, games,
1-2 year old child
Comprehension of shapes, colors, sizes of objects, grouping, First counting skills,
First creative activities, drawing with pencil, setting up a toy, kneading play dough,
Plays imaginary games,
3-year-old child
Shapes such as triangle, square, rectangle, circle, Knows basic colors, starts to act target-oriented at the age of 4, sets up a plan, Can group objects according to their types.
Plays animation games. Can set up and continue games. Can play simple number and letter games.
Nilüfer Karataş
Child Development Specialist
Family & Life Coach
