Electronic gadgets have taken both children and adults by storm in terms of entertainment. It’s not surprising to see a person hunched over their phones while playing an online game or streaming videos. Or perhaps you find your oldest child locked into his room playing with his Xbox instead of bonding with you and the rest of the family.
However, the use of electronic gadgets is not necessarily evil. In fact, a lot of mobile apps not only entertain and kill time; they are also educational. You can get special deals from Pennydell Puzzles if you are into traditional board games and puzzle books.
Puzzle games and child development
Kids nowadays prefer using gadgets over reading books or enjoying traditional games. Thankfully, board games and puzzles are not extinct. For example, a lot of people are die-hard fans of such traditional games. If you are one of them, you can pass on that enthusiasm to your children.
There are puzzles that suit every child’s age. For example, infants usually enjoy knobbed puzzles with outlined shapes that fit into their respective cutouts. Toddlers and small children, on the other hand, might be more interested in building simple jigsaw puzzles and identifying colors and shapes.
Playing with puzzles helps develop physical, emotional, and cognitive skills, especially in small children. These skills are crucial to a child’s holistic development. Plus, it also encourages more bonding time with the family.
Positive effects of puzzle games on children
But puzzles do not only provide entertainment for small children. They are more than tools to distract kids while their moms do household chores. Here are some reasons why it is a good idea to introduce kids to educational games such as puzzles at an early age:
1. Encourages critical thinking
Solving a puzzle can be challenging for adults and children. It can be a trial-and-error process before you are able to put all the pieces in the right places. It can also test one’s patience and make you feel a sense of accomplishment.
2. Develop hand and eye coordination
Children are naturally inquisitive, so puzzles can further pique their curiosity for their own benefit. Puzzles can help children exercise their fine motor skills. You should encourage them to find smart ways to complete the puzzles.
3. Sharpen memory and cognition
Since doing puzzles is a trial-and-error process, it can also sharpen their memory. Children have come up with a strategy to fit the pieces one at a time. The child will also be able to develop their cognitive skills by following instructions, which is crucial when they reach school age.
4. Sense of accomplishment
As mentioned, finishing a puzzle can make children happy. Kids love doing things when they can expect rewards after accomplishing a certain task. But if you want to go beyond candies and chocolates, try praising your kids for their achievements. Doing so can boost their self-esteem or confidence.
Overall, gadgets aren’t detrimental to your child’s well-being. Moderation is the key. But for a change, let your child play with toys and games that can contribute to their overall development.
