5 Tips for Raising Smarter Kids

5 Tips for Raising Smarter Kids

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

5 Simple Tips for Raising Smarter Kids

I’m definitely not an expert, nor do I claim to be a supermom. None of us are perfect, but maybe every mom deserves a superhero badge for juggling so many roles and responsibilities—parent, teacher, chef, chauffeur, and everything in between. It's tough, but we do it all with love and patience. And let's face it, the lack of sleep doesn't make it any easier, but somehow we manage to rise to the occasion every day. That, my friends, is pretty super.

Anyway, this post isn't about diving deep into the complexities of motherhood, but rather about fostering curiosity and learning in our little ones. Our kids’ minds are like sponges, soaking up knowledge from everywhere around them. Along the way, we've picked up a few tricks to make the most of those teachable moments. After all, knowledge is power, and equipping our kids with as much as we can gives them a head start in life. Here are five simple tips we’ve embraced to help raise smarter, more curious kids.

 

1// Word of the Week

This isn't something we strictly schedule, but we often stumble upon interesting words during conversations. Whether it's a new term that catches their attention or a lecture where they're distracted by a word they don't understand, these moments spark our "Word of the Week." We write the word (usually a longer, more complex one) on our chalkboard and explain its meaning. For example, we might pick a word like "perseverance" or "meticulous." My daughter, Aliyah, enjoys practicing writing and spelling the word, while both kids learn to recognize it and use it in sentences. It's a fun way to emphasize the importance of language and expand their vocabulary. Plus, it’s a great reminder for all of us that there’s a whole world of words out there waiting to be discovered.

 

2// Educational Apps

I used to be one of those moms who swore I’d never rely on gadgets or screens to keep my kids entertained. But after kid number three came along, I realized flexibility is key. Sure, we set boundaries and limit screen time, but when we're traveling or stuck in long car rides, our phones and tablets become lifesavers. To make the most of screen time, we’ve loaded up on educational apps that feel more like play. Some of our favorites include:

  • Hooked on Phonics: The app itself is free, but the lessons require a subscription. We downloaded the classroom version during a free promotion and love it.
  • Endless Alphabet: At $6.99, it’s a fantastic tool for learning letters and sounds. Watching the kids dive into this app is pure joy.
  • Giraffe’s Matching Zoo: This free app helps with matching and memory skills.
  • CVC Phonics Spelling Practice: For $.99, it’s another great tool for practicing spelling and sounds.
  • Motion Math Wings: Free with upgrade options, this app makes math fun, especially when it comes to multiplication.
  • My Coloring Book: While it doesn’t explicitly teach, coloring apps are great for early color theory.
  • Shapes: A fun way to learn shapes, with upgrade options available.

 

3// Dinner Table Learning

In an ideal world, we'd all gather in the kitchen and cook together, teaching our kids essential skills like measuring, chopping, and understanding different ingredients. While that doesn’t happen every night, we do try to involve them in meal prep whenever possible. Even if it’s just a small task, like setting the table or cracking eggs, it gives them a sense of accomplishment. And when we sit down for dinner, we make the most of our time together. We play games that encourage communication, vocabulary building, and laughter. Sometimes we spell out words or play rhyming games. Other times, we quiz them with math problems or ask them to list things they’re grateful for. One of our favorites is the Family Dinner Box of Questions, which sparks meaningful conversations and brings us closer as a family.

 

4// Encouraging Creativity

We’re big believers in nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills in our home. Instead of focusing on problems, we try to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. If something spills or breaks, we shift the focus to finding a solution. For instance, if a glass of water gets knocked over, we ask, “What can we do now? Should we clean it up and get more water?” Over time, this mindset becomes second nature. Now, when something happens, my kids often say, “It’s okay, we can fix this!” or “Mom, I have a plan!” It’s not perfect every time, but it’s heartwarming to see them think critically and creatively. Encouraging this type of thinking helps them develop leadership skills and fosters independence. You never know what innovative ideas they’ll come up with next!

 

5// Embrace Technology for Learning

We’ve all been there—curiosity strikes when we encounter something unfamiliar. Whether it’s identifying a plant, understanding a word, or locating a place on a map, technology makes it easier than ever to find answers. I started using Bing as my go-to search engine because of its rewards program, which adds up with each search. Why not earn something while helping my kids learn? Plus, the image search feature is a hit with my kids—they love browsing photos of animals, plants, and even random things like cats (which sometimes leads to discovering caterpillars!).

Bing also offers a new initiative called Bing in the Classroom, which provides ad-free, safe searches for students. It removes ads, filters adult content, and enhances privacy protection. What’s more, you can donate your earned points to help schools receive Surface tablets. So if you haven’t already, check out Bing Rewards and consider joining the movement for free, safe learning environments.

signature

 

Show support for #adfreesearch with #BingintheClassroom!

This post was created in partnership with Bing. Thank you for supporting the companies that make this blog possible!

SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies Test (ELISA)

Covid-19 Neutralizing Antibody Test,Covid-19 Neutralizing Antibodies Test,Sars-Cov-2 Neutralizing Antibody Test,Sars-Cov-2 Neutralizing Antibodies Test

Wuxi BioHermes Bio & Medical Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.biohermesglobal.com