Most parents strive to set up a consistent social life for their children, ensuring that they are interacting with others their age and learning foundational social skills.

 

However, according to recent research, there might be a more important way to teach these basic skills.

 

A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience has found an important link between everyday conversations, specifically between adults and children, and the development of cognitive skills.

 

In fact, “early language exposure, predicts children's linguistic and cognitive skills and later academic achievement”.

 

The study looked at the lives of children between the ages of four to six, observing the effects of socialisation with different age groups.

 

Researchers found that those children exposed to more adult-child conversation resulted in stronger white matter connectivity in the brain, leading to an advancement in cognitive skills.

 

 

These advanced learners were able to perform everyday tasks with more efficiency.

 

The effects of more real-world language exposure increased children's ability to think, read, learn, remember, reason, and pay attention.

 

So, it is important to make sure that while encouraging a child’s involvement in extracurriculars and play dates, we also set aside time to talk with them about more adult-chosen topics.

 

Now, by no means does this translate to discussing current events or complicated issues above a child’s comprehension level.

 

On the contrary, this research was founded on observing common conversations between adults and children - most likely asking about how school was going or the new friends they have made.

 

Therefore, it is vital to carve out some chat time with our little ones every day, especially when it comes to furthering their learning skills.

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