Did you know that colors have a psychological effect on your children? Studies have shown that colors can influence mood and behavior, stimulate the brain and the body and even affect your child’s health. Certain colors can also improve sleep habits, increase memory power and even enhance academic performance, which are all great benefits for your little ones’ growing minds and bodies. Children can be extra sensitive to colors, so it’s important to know which colors can incite certain moods or behaviors in your child.
Warm colors, like red, yellow and orange, generally elicit happiness and comfort in children. These color shades can stimulate the mind and have an energizing effect on the body but too much of it can cause anxiety and irritability. Cool colors such as blue, green, and purple all have calming effects on the body. These colors calm the mind and body, lowering their heart rate and decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety but too much can leave them feeling cold and reserved. Colors are an important part of your child’s development and it helps to solidify certain feelings and expressions within your child.
Although scientific studies can make useful generalizations, remember that every child is different. A color that may trigger happiness in one child may not do the same for a different child. So if your child’s favorite color is red, don’t dwell on any negatives. The brain is wired to identify what it likes and rewards us for it- so if your child is happy, so is their brain. What’s your child’s favorite color?
Greater Bergen’s Head Start program provides free early childhood education and family services to low-income families in Bergen County, Jersey City and Paterson, NJ. Comprehensive services and resources prepare children for kindergarten, enhance their emotional and physical well-being, and foster stable family relationships.
For more information or to find out if you qualify for GBCA’s Head Start Program call 844-472-4453 or go to www.GBCAHeadStart.org