Why Puzzles?

Puzzles have long been a staple in children's toy collections for their enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding nature. Upon completing a difficult puzzle, the boost in confidence is always well-deserved.

Here are several reasons why you should consider including puzzles in your child’s toy collection:

• Concentration: Completing a puzzle requires focused attention over a period of time, making it important to choose one that is age-appropriate. If it's too difficult, it can lead to frustration rather than enjoyment.
• Shape Recognition: Puzzles help children recognize different shapes and how they fit into specific spaces. This skill is fundamental as it lays the groundwork for letter and number recognition.
• Fine Motor Skills: Engaging with puzzles involves handling small pieces, which enhances a child's ability to grasp and manipulate objects. Pegged puzzles, in particular, help develop the pincer grip, essential for activities like holding a pencil or paintbrush.
• Hand-eye Coordination: Assembling puzzles requires children to pick up pieces and accurately position them. It's important not to take over but to encourage them with guidance such as suggesting different ways to fit pieces together.
• Problem-solving Skills: Puzzles present challenges that require strategic thinking to solve. From simpler tasks like fitting a piece into its designated space to more complex ones involving grouping and matching pieces, each puzzle offers valuable problem-solving practice for children.

Integrating puzzles into your child’s playtime not only promotes cognitive development but also fosters persistence, patience, and the joy of achieving a goal independently.