Best Puzzles For Kids

Has finding puzzles for kids has become a puzzling task for you? In the process of distracting your little one from TV & Video games, do you also struggle to find interesting puzzle games for kids? Well, to get your child to play with puzzles for children it is essential that they feature things that interest your child. 

Many parents want to introduce their children to puzzles as it helps in cognitive development and is a good use of time. But they are often confused about the engaging puzzle games for kids. We understand maintaining their child’s interest in puzzle-solving over cartoons can be a daunting task. If you fall in the same category, don’t worry because we will help you find the answer to this puzzling question. 

Importance of Puzzles For Kids

Puzzles for kids are an excellent way to get their creative and intellectual juices flowing, in addition to getting them off from watching cartoons. Puzzles for kids have proven to have multiple benefits-

1. Develops problem-solving skills: Puzzles for children to think critically, independently examine and solve problems, and develop their logical reasoning abilities. Children learn to mentally picture the puzzle pieces and determine how they fit together as they solve puzzles.
2. Enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills: Children must make use of small objects and fit them into defined places in order to solve puzzles. This refines their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are necessary for tasks like writing, sketching, and playing musical instruments.
3. Improves memory and concentration: Children must concentrate on the puzzle and keep in mind what they have already accomplished when working on a problem. Their memory and focus are enhanced, which is beneficial in many facets of life.
4. Boosts self-esteem and confidence: When children successfully complete puzzles, they feel a sense of accomplishment, which can boost their self-esteem and confidence.
5. Encourages socialization: Doing puzzles together in a group may be enjoyable and encourage cooperation and social interaction. Youngsters can effectively collaborate to solve a task, share ideas, and communicate.
6. Quality time together: Doing puzzles together with your child can help in spending quality time together that can also boost your relationship with your child, in addition to enhancing their critical thinking skills
7. Improving the visual perception of the kid: Children learn to distinguish between the pieces on the basis of size, colour, form and shape. Later, this skill will also help in writing skills.
8. Improves perseverance and patience: Solving puzzles for children can become very frustrating as the kid will encounter new challenges at every step. However, when they solve it, they get a sense of achievement that helps in building patience in the long term.
9. Improves attention span: Solving even small puzzles for kids can require a lot of time and focus – improving the attention and focusing power of the child. 

Types of Puzzles For Kids That You Can Introduce To Your Child

Puzzles for kids come in different types and concepts that can be introduced to kids belonging to different age groups. Some examples include-  

1. Jigsaw Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles are classic puzzles for kids. They come in various sizes and difficulties, and they’re perfect for developing a child’s spatial and problem-solving skills.
2. Rubik’s Cube: Rubik’s cube is a fun and challenging puzzle for kids that helps children develop problem-solving skills, logic, and fine motor skills
3. Maze Puzzles: Maze puzzles are small puzzles for kids, another great way to develop problem-solving skills. These small puzzles for kids are available in various difficulty levels, and they’re perfect for helping children understand cause and effect.
4. Crossword Puzzles: Crossword puzzles for kids are an excellent way to develop vocabulary, spelling, and problem-solving skills. They’re also perfect for improving memory and concentration.
5. Sudoku: Sudoku is one of a number of puzzle games for kids that is perfect for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s fun and one of the most challenging puzzles for kids  that can be played alone or with friends.
6. Word Searches: Word searches are a fun way to develop vocabulary and spelling skills. They’re also a great way to improve concentration and attention to detail.
7. Spot the Difference: Spot the difference puzzles for kids are perfect for developing observation and attention to detail skills. They’re also a fun way to improve memory and concentration.
8. Memory Games: Memory games are perfect for developing memory and concentration skills. They can be played alone or with friends, and they’re perfect for all ages.
9. Tangrams: Tangrams are Chinese puzzle games for kids that help children develop spatial skills, creativity, and problem-solving skills. They’re available in various difficulty levels, and they’re perfect for all ages.
10. Online puzzles: Online small puzzles for kids are often very engaging and interesting. They help the kids in improving their computer skills, logical thinking, math skills, reasoning and memory skills. 

Things To Keep in Mind Before Introducing Puzzles to Kids

A difficult task that parents face is how to keep their children hooked to puzzles as opposed to watching cartoons. Puzzles for kids can be hard and intimidating in the start, and if the child is not able to make any headway, they might lose motivation and skip solving puzzles altogether. 

Here is how you can keep puzzle-solving interesting and easy for kids – 

1. Start with age-appropriate puzzles: Choose puzzles that are suitable for your child’s age and developmental level. For younger children, start with simple & small puzzles for kids with large pieces and fewer pieces. As they grow up or get the hang of the puzzle, you can increase the difficulty level and the number of pieces.
2. Make it fun: Puzzles should be enjoyable and fun. Encourage your child to explore and experiment with the puzzle pieces and try to keep the atmosphere light with some good laughs.
3. Appreciate the progress– Since puzzles may seem tough for kids at the start, it is important to praise any little headway to keep the spirits high.
4. Demonstrate how to solve the puzzle: Show your child how to solve the puzzle step by step. Guide them through the process and help them develop problem-solving skills.
5. Allow them to explore: Allow your child to explore the puzzle on their own, without interference. This will help them develop independence and self-confidence.
6. Try to find puzzles depicting the kids’ favourite cartoons, characters, animals etc. Children will be more enthusiastic if their favourite character is on them.
7. Don’t force it: If your child isn’t interested in puzzles, don’t force them. Puzzles for kids should be a fun and enjoyable experience, not a chore.
8. Beware of small pieces: The puzzles with small pieces can be swallowed by small kids. Hence, they should be done under parental guidance as they pose a choking hazard. 

Conclusion

By introducing puzzles for kids  in a fun and engaging way, you can help your child develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and hand-eye coordination. Alongside, you can spend some quality time with them while playing puzzle games for kids. 

At Eurokids, we ensure your child gets the best exposure to multiple puzzle activities that can enhance their critical thinking while they have a good time. Click here to know more or to visit a Eurokids centre for preschool admission for your child.