The sea breeze. The whiff of freshly baked buns. The scent of flowers. Through the sense of smell, children will become more aware of their surroundings, more alert to danger and learn to appreciate nature. As a parent you can introduce sensory play activities to help your child develop their sense of smell. Amazing but true!
Discover with your child through smell
Playing games is an interesting way to help your child develop his sense of smell. Here are some tips:
- Fill some jars with different items such as lemons, cotton balls soaked in vinegar and flower petals. Then get your child to close his eyes and ask him to guess the items he is smelling.
- Take your child for a walk around the house and help him identify the different smells in the garden. This will help your child become more aware of his surroundings.
- Get your child to compare different smells. Hold a piece of lemon under his nose and then give him a slice of pineapple. This will help your child develop his sense of difference besides his sense of smell.
More than just the sense of smell
As you help your child to develop his sense of smell, you’re also helping him develop in other important areas, such as literacy, listening, language, cognitive and motor skills. Note: If your child has a reduced sense of smell, it could be an indication that he has a cold or suffering from mild zinc deficiency.
