Benefits Puzzles Have On Children

Puzzles are a great way to help the brain function properly later in life but what benefits do they have for young children? We’ve come across some key facts to prove that puzzles are the perfect brain food, no matter your age.

Basic concepts and skills
A puzzle teaches young children about the concept of a ‘whole’ and that each piece is a fraction of the bigger picture. It also helps develop basic skills such as shape recognition, concentration, goal setting, patience and a sense of achievement, which will stand children in good stead for school. 

Physical skills
Puzzles help develop hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills due to the precise nature of matching each piece exactly. Some correlation can be seen in a child’s ability to complete puzzles and their handwriting skills as they have to work carefully.  

Problem solving
Critical thinking, judgement, visual-perceptual skills and memory are all tested with a puzzle. There is only one way to complete a puzzle and it can not be cheated. Children will find that their time improves with each puzzle as they start to think more logically and develop tactics.  

Team work
Sometimes children will take on the challenge of a larger puzzle with a friend. One child could be in charge of finding the outside edges while another focuses on an element within it – communication and working things out together is key to the completion of the puzzle.

From fine motor, to problem solving, to self-esteem, the advantages of puzzles for children’s development are numerous. This educational toy is obviously important for kids to learn cognitive, physical and emotional skills, which will support them later on in life as they grow up.

You can maximize those benefits by following the tips suggested throughout the article.

It’s worth mentioning this fun toy presents a great opportunity for parents to interact in a positive way with their kids. With a jigsaw puzzle on the floor, you’ll smile, laugh and relish completing a task together.

Want a final piece of advice to let your kid learn the most from puzzles and continually develop the skills listed in this article?

Keep increasing the difficulty of the puzzles you bring home, as appropriate (i.e. higher number of pieces, more complex image, or smaller pieces). With this, your little one will well be on their way to become a highly intelligent adult in the future.

Check out our one-off or subscription puzzles, where you can upload your family photos and receive a custom puzzle straight to your door. Contact us if you have any questions.