Research has finally proven what we knew all along: going on family trips is fundamental to our children’s health. Turns out, not only does it make them (and you) happier, it also stimulates development in young brains.
‘An enriched environment offers new experiences that are strong in combined social, physical, cognitive, and sensory interaction,’ says child psychotherapist Dr. Margot Sunderland according to Parents.com.
‘These experiences then turn on the genetic expression of key brain fertilizers in the frontal lobes, enhancing executive functions like stress regulation, attention, concentration, good planning, and the ability to learn, and also improving physical and mental health. The brain fertilizers triggered in enriched environments are also associated with higher IQ in children.’
If you think about it, most adults remember their childhood family vacations and the memories they made with siblings or parents. It’s also amazing how much we learn through these new experiences.
‘Family holidays are valued by children, both in the moment and for long afterward in their memory,’ psychologist Oliver James explained to The Telegraph. ‘It’s all about talking nonsense with your parents, sharing an ice cream and moments of time in which your interests are genuinely taken into account. So if you’re going to spend money on something, it’s pretty clear which option makes more sense.’
Bottom line: spend time exploring together in a new space will help make your child smarter.
Image: Unsplash
