Some babies walk early. Others speak in full sentences before their second birthday. And some just love figuring things out quietly in a corner. Every child is different, and yet every parent wants to know the same thing: How can I support my child’s intelligence?
You’ll hear all sorts of advice.
Some say blood type affects how smart your child will be. Others claim intelligence is fixed at birth, so there’s no point trying to “boost” it. You might even hear that only high IQ kids succeed—or that reading before kindergarten is a must.
Let’s be honest. Most of it is simply nonsense.
What really shapes intelligence is far more encouraging—and largely in your control.
Before we explore how parents can help their children grow into smart, capable thinkers, let’s look at some of the most common ideas that get passed around. They sound convincing. But they’re mostly myths.
What Does Science Really Say About Child's Intelligence
Many common beliefs about intelligence are outdated. In the past, people thought traits like blood type or gender identity were locked in a child’s future brain power. But modern research shows quite the opposite: a child’s IQ is shaped equally by genes, environment, and learning, and not by simple labels. In the section below, we debunk five popular myths about kids' intelligence by citing recent scientific studies and expert findings.
Myth: Intelligence depends on blood type.
Truth: There is no scientific link between a person’s blood group and how smart they are. For example, a 2023 study of college students found “no significant association between IQ scores and blood group” (njhsciences.com). The authors explicitly note that differences in intelligence are tied to genetics and experience, and have “no significant dependence on blood type” (njhsciences.com). In short, blood type has to do with biology like transfusions – it doesn’t determine IQ.
Myth: Intelligence is fixed at birth.
Truth: Intelligence can change over time. Brain science shows children’s brains keep growing and adapting as they learn. The Center on the Developing Child (Harvard University) explains that early experiences shape the brain’s architecture for future learning (developingchild.harvard.edu). Likewise, researchers note that decades of assuming a fixed IQ have been overturned by new findings – today we know kids can get smarter with intellectual stimulation and the right support (news.harvard.edu). In other words, a child isn’t locked into a specific IQ at birth; effort and environment matter a lot.
Myth: A high IQ guarantees success in a child's life.
Truth: Not at all. A high IQ alone doesn’t ensure success in school, work, or life. Experts point out that IQ tests measure only certain thinking skills and leave out qualities like motivation, creativity, and social skills. As one recent review puts it, having a high IQ is “hardly a guarantee of financial, academic, or creative success” (verywellmind.com). Many researchers also note that emotional understanding and perseverance play big roles. In fact, IQ tests “miss” important skills like empathy and interpersonal ability (verywellmind.com). In short, being smart can help, but skills like Emotional Intelligence (EQ), grit, and communication are also crucial for success.
Myth: Early reading means higher intelligence.
Truth: Learning to read early is usually a result of practice and teaching, not an inborn sign of genius. Reading ability and raw IQ tend to be independent skills. One educational study found that decoding (reading) skills and intelligence “work mostly independently from each other” (frontiersin.org). That means a child might learn to read at a young age without being born exceptionally smart. Interestingly, research suggests the opposite causal direction: helping kids learn to read can actually boost their later thinking skills. A long-term twin study showed that twins who read better at age 7 went on to score higher on IQ tests at older ages (srcd.org). In other words, reading early is not a sign of a higher IQ, and good reading practice can improve cognitive development, but also reading early isn’t a fixed ticket to a higher IQ (children that have started reading later can catch up).
Myth: Boys are naturally better at math and logic.
Truth: Boys and girls are equally capable in math and reasoning. Large studies consistently find no gender gap in math performance among children. For example, a Carnegie Mellon neuroscience study found “no gender difference in…math ability” in young kids’ brains (cmu.edu). And an analysis of more than 7 million test scores showed girls and boys had essentially the same average math scores - effect-size near zero (news.wisc.edu). Any small gaps arise from social factors, not biology. In fact, experts emphasize that myths about male superiority in math persist only because of stereotypes; scientific data show girls “measure up to boys” in every math test taken.
Nature vs. Nurture: What Drives a Child’s IQ
Intelligence isn’t a fixed gift handed down at birth. It grows out of a dynamic interplay between the genes your child inherits and the world you build around them. The earliest years are crtitical and set the stage for everything that follows.
Genetic Influence + Environmental Factors
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Genes set a range, environment fills it in.
Twin and family studies show genetics account for roughly 40–50% of IQ differences in young children. The differences in IQ scores among young children, rise to about 70–80% by adulthood as life choices and opportunities reinforce those inherited traits.
(nature.com). -
Socioeconomic status can shift the balance.
In low-income families, shared environments (things like nutrition, stress, or stimulation) can explain most early IQ variation—genes barely matter. In wealthier settings, genetic potential has room to express itself (en.wikipedia.org). -
What this means for parents:
Even if your child has a genetic head start, without a supportive environment—good nutrition, emotional security, mental stimulation—that potential may never fully emerge. And children with fewer genetic “advantages” often catch up when given rich, caring surroundings.
Early Childhood Is Crucial
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Brain architecture builds fastest before age five.
From birth to five, a child’s brain forms over a million neural connections every second, then prunes back to make circuits more efficient (developingchild.harvard.edu). -
Plasticity peaks in those first years.
The brain’s ability to rewire itself—called plasticity—is highest early on and declines with age. This is why responsive interactions, play, and varied experiences have an outsized impact in preschool years (developingchild.harvard.edu). -
Toxic stress can derail development.
Chronic adversity (neglect, extreme hardship) alters stress-response circuits and hampers normal brain growth. Buffering children with stable, loving care helps prevent lasting harm
(developingchild.harvard.edu)
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What this means for the parents:
The foundation you build before your child’s fifth birthday carries forward for life. Engaging play, warm relationships, and a low-stress home aren’t just “nice to have”—they shape the very wiring that underpins learning, memory, and emotional skills.
Whenever you see those “born this way” or “just let nature take its course” mindsets, remember: science shows you have enormous power to influence your child’s intelligence—especially in the earliest years.
How to Raise a Bright, Emotionally Strong Child
Parents often ask what they can do to help their child grow up smart, kind, and curious. The good news is that it doesn’t require expensive programs or apps. What matters most is how your child lives and learns every day. Here are ten things science shows can support your child’s development.
1. Create a Loving and Safe Environment
A child’s brain thrives in a loving, secure environment. When they feel safe and cared for, their mind opens up to explore the world. This emotional safety is the foundation of learning. It gives children the courage to try, fail, and try again. Respond to your child’s needs with warmth and patience. Be consistent, not perfect. Your calm presence helps their brain organize itself.
2. Feed Their Brain with Real Food
Nutrition also plays a huge role. Growing brains need real, whole foods to build focus, memory, and emotional balance. Iron, zinc, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids are especially important. You’ll find iron in red meat, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. Zinc comes from pumpkin seeds, beans, whole grains, and dairy. Choline, crucial for brain development, is rich in eggs—especially the yolk. And omega-3s, vital for memory and attention, are found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, or in ground flaxseed and walnuts. Instead of thinking in terms of supplements, think “colorful plate”—a mix of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and healthy fats, offered regularly and without pressure.
Tip: When your baby transitions to real food, try to avoid processed products—even those made for kids. Fresh, home-cooked meals give your child the nutrients they need without added sugars, salt, or preservatives. Steaming is one of the best ways to protect vitamins and minerals during cooking. A food maker can make this quick and easy. See our Grownsy food maker here.
Check out some of the delicious food maker recipes for babies of any age.
3. Give Them Time to Play Freely
Give your child plenty of time to play freely. Not with a goal or a lesson, just play—on the floor, in the dirt, with toys, or in their imagination. This kind of unstructured time is where creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving come to life. When a child is allowed to get bored, they often invent something brilliant on their own.
4. Make Space for Social Interaction
Social interaction is another key. Whether it’s playing with other children, talking with grandparents, or helping in the kitchen, these real-life conversations build language skills, empathy, and self-control. Kids don’t just learn from what you say—they learn from watching how you relate to others.
5. Let Them Make Mistakes
Let your child make mistakes. This might feel uncomfortable, especially when you could help them avoid frustration. But mistakes are a powerful teacher. When children are allowed to try, fail, and try again, they build resilience. They learn how to solve problems and bounce back. Don’t rush in too fast—give them a moment to figure it out first.
6. Read and Tell Stories Together
Reading and storytelling are among the best tools you have. Books introduce new words, emotions, and ideas. They spark imagination and strengthen the bond between you and your child. But don’t stop at reading to them—encourage them to tell you stories too, even if they’re made up on the spot. This builds narrative thinking and emotional insight.
7. Say Yes to Curiosity
Support curiosity, even when it slows you down. The endless “why” questions might feel exhausting, but they show your child is trying to make sense of the world. Take their curiosity seriously. When you say, “Let’s find out together,” you model what it means to be a lifelong learner.
8. Protect Their Sleep
Sleep matters more than we often admit. A tired brain struggles to learn, regulate emotions, or pay attention. Make sleep a priority. For young children, that means a regular bedtime, a predictable wind-down routine, and minimal screen time before bed. A peaceful bedtime helps build a well-rested, emotionally steady brain.
9. Get Them Moving
Movement fuels thinking. Active play—running, climbing, dancing—doesn’t just build muscles; it strengthens focus and mood. Children need to move often and freely. Aim for at least an hour a day of active play, even if it’s indoors with music or an obstacle course made from couch cushions.
10. Use Screens Wisely
Finally, handle screens with care. Not all screen time is harmful, but too much passive watching can crowd out more important activities. Choose interactive, age-appropriate content when you can, and co-watch when possible. Treat screens as just one small part of your child’s day—not a substitute for real-world play and connection.
5 Things You Can Do Today to Support Your Child’s Brain
No special tools. No expert training. Just small, daily actions that add up.
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Talk to your child—constantly.
Even before they speak, your words build their brain. Describe what you’re doing, ask open-ended questions, and respond to their sounds and gestures.
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Read together. Every day.
Even just 10 minutes with a book builds language, focus, and emotional connection. Ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think she feels?”
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Serve real food. Skip the junk.
Offer fruits, veggies, eggs, beans, fish, and whole grains. Stay away from processed snacks and sugary drinks, especially in the toddler years when the brain is growing fast.
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Let them play and get bored.
Free play builds creativity and thinking skills. You don’t need to entertain them—just give them time and space to explore.
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Praise effort, not talent.
Say “You really stuck with that!” or “You tried so many ways!” instead of “You’re so smart.” This helps them see learning as something they can grow, not something they’re born with.
Final Thoughts: Child's Intelligence Doesn’t Come Down to Blood Type
It’s time to let go of myths like “which blood type has the lowest IQ” or “what’s the most intelligent blood type”. These myths might spark interest, but they don’t contribute to anyone's well-being - neither the children, nor the parents.
What truly shapes a child’s mind is their everyday environment: loving care, nutricious food, time to play, space to make mistakes, and connection with others.
You don’t need to be perfect. Just be present. The small things you do every day—talking, listening, encouraging—are what matters the most.