Tovic Salvador

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<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177875007989420260305070324_enfagrow.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Child having practical play with her mom <em>Photo source: </em><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/mother-and-child-playing-together-7677894/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Pexels</em> </a></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Parents want nothing more than to give their children a good start in life. From the first smile, to the first growing tiny tooth, first solid food, and their first day of school, every milestone is worth celebrating. Many parents capture these moments on their phones and share them with families and friends. Each new skill unlocked becomes a proud mom moment.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">However, it is not always easy to raise a child. As children grow, parents tend to worry more about their child&#x27;s future. Some would often worry about whether their child is eating enough or growing the right height and weight for their age. Picky eating or refusing certain food like veggies may become a daily source of stress and a topic of conversation among parents. However, while parents are busy tracking physical growth, it is easy to overlook something equally important: a child&#x27;s brain development.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>The reality in our homes</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Did you know that 90% of a child&#x27;s brain development happens by age five? Studies show that the brain develops early in life. The early years are important because they shape how kids learn, think, and focus.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">It is important to make sure that, in the early years, a child is on track with growing physically, while continuing to support brain development. Both physical and brain growth matters as brain development sets the foundation for a child&#x27;s future success. Without proper stimulation, positive interactions, and proper nutrition, some of these brain connections might not fully develop, and building them later may be hard.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">In the Philippines, the effects are already showing up on a larger scale. The <a href="https://cpbrd.congress.gov.ph/tag/flemms-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recent survey</a>, 19 million Filipinos aged 10-64 are basically literate. This means they may read and write, but they struggle to really understand or use what they read. That may affect school, jobs, and even long-term social development.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">As children continue reaching new milestones, parents play an important role in their physical growth and brain development. However, research from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) shows that fewer than half of Filipino homes with young kids have educational toys, and only 40% have children&#x27;s books. This means many kids may be missing out on simple learning opportunities at home.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The encouraging part is much of child&#x27;s growth, physical or cognitive, may happen right at home and need not be fancy or expensive. Playing, talking, reading together, and making sure kids get proper nutrition all helps their brain grow. Moreover, it only takes 60 minutes a day.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>The brilliant hour</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Enfagrow A+ Four supports &quot;The Brilliant Hour&quot;, a program that encourages parents to dedicate 60 minutes each day to their child&#x27;s brain development. The objective is to help strengthen focus, thinking, and learning skills through simple daily interactions.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Parents are encouraged to set aside one hour for activities that stimulate the mind. Reading a story, drawing together, or identifying different leaf shapes in the garden may build memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Experts recommend scheduling this hour at the same time each day. Children should be well fed and well rested to maximize attention and engagement. A consistent routine helps children anticipate and enjoy learning through play.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>How it works</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Parents may use everyday household items to support growth in three key areas:</p><p style="line-height:1">- A+ Focus: The ability to stay attentive and follow instructions.</p><p style="line-height:1">- A+ Learning: The ability to plan, remember, and apply new information.</p><p style="line-height:1">- A+ Thinking: The ability to solve problems and adapt to situations.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Consistent playtime helps build a strong foundation for confidence and cognitive development. Brain building does not depend on expensive toys. Time spent together makes the difference.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Try simple DIY activities at home </strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Brain-building activities do not require costly materials. Many use items already available at home.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Everyday learning may be done through:</p><p style="line-height:1">- Sorting and counting: Invite children to sort laundry, toys, or kitchen items by color and size. Count the objects together to help strengthen early math skills.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Storytelling: Use old magazines, food boxes, or favorite toys to create simple stories. Storytelling helps expand imagination and vocabulary.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Music and movement help boost creativity:</p><p style="line-height:1">- Homemade instruments: Transform empty plastic bottles or tin cans into drums and shakers.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Sing and move: Clap, stomp, or dance to favorite songs. Movement activities help improve coordination and rhythm.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Thinking games helps boost memory:</p><p style="line-height:1">- Treasure hunt: Hide small objects around a room and provide simple clues. This activity helps strengthen focus and problem-solving skills.</p><p style="line-height:1">- DIY puzzles: Cut cardboard into basic shapes and encourage children to reassemble them.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">While developing practical skills prepares the children to be strong and independent individuals:</p><p style="line-height:1">- Daily tasks: Guide children in dressing themselves, pouring water, or organizing toys. Such activities help build independence and fine motor skills.</p><p style="line-height:1">- Planting and recycling: Grow a small plant in a pot or turn recyclable materials into art projects.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Plan an outdoor activity</p><p style="line-height:1">-Run and jump together to help build stronger bones and muscles</p><p style="line-height:1">-Let your children play with other kids while you stay nearby and encourage them as they practice their social skills.</p><p style="line-height:1">-Explore nature together. Point out the sky, listen to chirping birds, barks of the dog and the meows of cats, and look at the different sizes and shapes of leaves. Let your child touch them and slowly introduce the colors of different objects around you.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">These activities require minimal cost. The Brilliant Hour demonstrates that practical, consistent engagement may gradually help fuel the growth that is invisible.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Quality time and proper nutrition</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px;display:block" width="633"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177874994493220260305070324_enfa dha.png" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/><span class="fr-inner">MFGM and DHA are some of the crucial nutrients that help support a child&#x27;s growth, along with proper diet, daily activities, and rest. <em>Photo source: Enfagrow </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EnfaPhilippines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Facebook page</em></a> </span></span></span>Brain development and physical growth both need attention in the early years. During this time, a child&#x27;s brain is rapidly forming connections that help shape how they learn, focus, and think later in life. These connections grow through intentional activities with parents and through proper nutrition.</div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Daily activities help nurture essential skills, while nutrients help provide structural support for brain growth, along with proper diet, daily activities, and rest. Nutrients such as milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contribute to the development of cognitive functions.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Enfagrow A+ Four supports The Brilliant Hour by helping provide daily nourishment for a developing brain, featuring MFGM and a highest level of DHA among formula milks, along with proper diet, daily activities, and rest help support brain connections, along with proper diet, daily activities, and rest.</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177874986589420260305070324_enfa brilliance.png" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Help boost your child into brilliance today. <em>Photo source: Enfagrow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EnfaPhilippines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Brain connections serve as the foundation for:</p><p style="line-height:1">- A+ Focus: The ability to maintain attention and follow instructions.</p><p style="line-height:1">- A+ Learning: The ability to remember, plan, and understand new information.</p><p style="line-height:1">- A+ Thinking: The ability to solve problems, adapt, and think creatively.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">One consistent hour of play paired with proper nutrition offers parents practical steps to help support their children&#x27;s preparation for school and life.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">To learn more about Enfagrow A+ Brilliant Hour, visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EnfaPhilippines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">ASC Reference Code: M0108P040726E</p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>Physical growth is easy to see, while brain development is just as powerful yet often overlooked. Keeping both in balance starts with one simple daily habit.</p>

Physical growth is easy to see, while brain development is just as powerful yet often overlooked. Keeping both in balance starts with one simple daily habit.

Spotting the hidden side of your child's development

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Spotting the hidden side of your child's development

Enfagrow

Published May 15, 2026 10:00 AM PHT

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Updated May 15, 2026 10:05 AM PHT

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