What are some ways to raise smarter children?

1. Talk with children often and not just to them (1)

2. If you don't know the answer to a question, instead of saying, "I don't know", say, "I don't know -- let's look it up." (1)

3. When answering questions use details and explanations instead of being as brief as possible. (1)

4. Teach them the concept of cause and effect (2)

5. Teach them to be able to recognize when they make a mistake and figuring out how to fix it and that making mistakes is common (2)

6. Teach them the 4 basic skills (2)

   1. Following instructions

   2. Disagreeing appropriately

   3. Accepting consequences

   4. Accepting a no answer

7. Pre-teach consequences before incidents happen (2)

8. Consider different types of 'smart.' I'm a fan of the Children and Youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints program that focuses on these four: intellectual, spiritual, social, and spiritual.

9. Learn your own buttons, what actions they lead to, and consider ways to not let yourself be triggered

10. As an adult, learn and practice all these concepts; serves as a good example and helps teach them (2)

11. Allow them to be exposed to alternative views and discuss them.

References

1. Want to Raise a High-Achieving Kid? Talk to Your Toddler Like This

2. Free course from Nicholeen Peck