The best ways to stimulate your child's mind

Neurologist Judy Willis, MD, shares advice for parents on the best ways to stimulate your child's mind and help them develop socially and emotionally
Brain Development In Children - How To Stimulate Your Child' Mind
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The best ways to stimulate your child's mind

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There is so much choice in the things we can do with our children to help them learn and help them grow, help them develop socially and emotionally. How do we know if we are choosing is the one that's best for them? That problem is quickly solved, except for the investment of money. Ideally, borrow one first, whatever it is. If you simply watch what the child does during the activity, you know what your child likes and what will keep them engaged. What their posture is like, their legs are like, how quiet they are, how much they ask to do more. You know what the experience is like. You also know what it's like when they are not engaged. The roll of their eyes, when they start pulling back. Those little hints that you have, will tell you whether what you've chosen is going to work or not work. So the more observant you are, pick up on day-to-day. What does your child look like when they are engaged? What does your child look like when they are bored? You'll know if what you've chose is going to work. They'll want to do more.

Neurologist Judy Willis, MD, shares advice for parents on the best ways to stimulate your child's mind and help them develop socially and emotionally

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Judy Willis, MD, MEd

Neurologist

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa as the first woman graduate from Williams College, Judy Willis attended UCLA School of Medicine where she was awarded her medical degree. She remained at UCLA and completed a medical residency and neurology residency, including chief residency. She practiced neurology for 15 years before returning to university to obtain her teaching credential and master's of education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She then taught in elementary and middle school for 10 years.

Dr. Judy Willis is an authority on brain research and its applications regarding learning. With the unique background as a parent, neurologist, classroom teacher, and neuro-educator she writes extensively for parenting magazines and professional educational journals. Dr. Willis has written six books for parents and educators about applying brain research to parenting and teaching.

Dr. Willis is on the adjunct faculty of the Graduate School of Education, University of California and gives presentations to parents and educators nationally and internationally about how to help children learn joyfully and successfully. She is on the Board of Directors of the Hawn Foundation, dedicated to helping children improve academic performance and acquire vital social and emotional skills. In 2011, she was honored by Edutopia, as a “Big Thinker on Education”.

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Transcription: 
There is so much choice in the things we can do with our children to help them learn and help them grow, help them develop socially and emotionally. How do we know if we are choosing is the one that's best for them? That problem is quickly solved, except for the investment of money. Ideally, borrow one first, whatever it is. If you simply watch what the child does during the activity, you know what your child likes and what will keep them engaged. What their posture is like, their legs are like, how quiet they are, how much they ask to do more. You know what the experience is like. You also know what it's like when they are not engaged. The roll of their eyes, when they start pulling back. Those little hints that you have, will tell you whether what you've chosen is going to work or not work. So the more observant you are, pick up on day-to-day. What does your child look like when they are engaged? What does your child look like when they are bored? You'll know if what you've chose is going to work. They'll want to do more.