Image: Shutterstock
Every parent wants the best for their child. We want them to succeed and be on top of the game in order to get the best quality of life. Most parents want to give their children the opportunities and luxuries they were denied. And in order to make it possible for their kids to attain them, they lay emphasis on discipline and a strict routine. But did you know that certain “negative” or “bad” traits mean that your child might already have the upper hand? Being bossy, a chatterbox or moving around non-stop are actually signs that your child is ahead in terms of development and is highly advanced. Despite this behavior being something parents struggle in order to get in control, it is actually a good thing. So would you like to know some not-so-obvious signs that your child is highly developed emotionally and intellectually? Read on to know more!
1. They Have A Lot Of Energy
Image: Shutterstock
We’ve all seen those parents scrambling after their kids and felt sorry for them. But turns out, their child is as bright as they are restless. If your child is bursting with enthusiasm and energy and can’t wait to start the day or get involved in their favorite activities, it’s a good sign. It means that their minds are highly engaged and that they are more likely to seek out new activities and experiences (1).
2. They Hold Long Eye Contact As A Baby
Image: Shutterstock
Have you ever been out in public and watched a baby stare at you for minutes together? As creepy as this may seem, it simply means that they’re smart! If your baby likes prolonged eye contact it means that they are aware of their environment and alert as to what’s going on in their immediate surroundings. For babies who are only a couple of months old, it means that they have learnt to coordinate their eyes (2). The existence of such awareness at a young age signals that your baby is developing rapidly.
3. They Are Chatterboxes
Image: Shutterstock
The next time your child gets reprimanded for being social and chattery, just remember that your child is two steps ahead of their peers. Children with advanced development prefer to converse with people who are older than them.They might seek out a teacher or an older classmate to chat with. They tend to gravitate towards deep conversations on topics that they are interested in instead of simply playing with kids their own age.
4. They Have Good Motor Skills In Early Years
Image: Shutterstock
Activities like smiling, rolling around and even putting on clothes all involve our children’s key motor skills. So any advanced motor development in our children involves the growth and strengthening of their muscles and their bones (3). Not to mention their ability to explore their environment with ease. One study says that good motor skills can be related to higher intelligence later on in life (4).
5. They Are Emotionally Sensitive
Image: Shutterstock
No one likes being called a crybaby. But did you know that being emotional and sensitive is actually a good thing? Research reveals that the emotional intelligence of children is connected to their intellectual abilities (5). So, if your child is extremely sensitive to the emotions of others and themselves then it can indicate that they have high emotional intelligence as well as possibly high intellectual intelligence.
6. They Have Unusual Hobbies
Image: Shutterstock
If your child has a niche interest, not discourage them. It might just mean that they are intelligent and curious. If you notice that your child is obsessed with a specific topic or is always engaged in one hobby or another, chances are that they are inquisitive and open minded. It can also be a sign that they are highly developed as they focus on a wide variety of interests and are able to learn about the world around them.
7. They Are Messy Eaters In Their First Year
Image: Shutterstock
That’s right, we’re sure you’ve never had a reason to be happy about your little messy eater but here you are! A study tells us that babies at around 16 months old learn by interacting and getting messy with objects, especially food. The babies who interact heavily with food get a better understanding of non-solid objects and can better recognise them in the future and in different settings. So let your baby make a mess, it means that they are rapidly developing!
Being a parent can be overwhelming at times. Keeping track of everything your baby needs to eat, do and avoid doing in order to develop well and stay healthy can be exhausting. But maybe your child is well ahead in terms of development and you didn’t even know it. Does your child exhibit any of these behaviors? Let us know in the comments section!
