Parents are responsible for a lot…a ton.  They have to nurse their kids back to health when they’re sick.  They have to make sure their kids get potty trained and learn their ABC’s when the time is right.  Parents have to make sure they’re feeding their kids the right things so they get the right vitamins and nutrients to grow big and strong. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

As if all of this isn’t enough, parents are also responsible for entertainment.  

That’s right – parents are on the hook for making sure their little ones ALWAYS have SOMETHING to do. Anything to do…but that anything has to be enough to keep kids busy for a consistent period of time.

Enter puzzles. A tried and true classic.

Puzzles are an often forgotten activity that have so much benefit.  These are a great way to create entertaining learning opportunities for kids of all ages.  Consider that simple jigsaw puzzles help children develop imperative skills like problem solving, perseverance and help influence finger strength.  This type of activity also helps with the development of memory skills.  Colors and shapes are extremely important elements to solving puzzles.

Puzzles also help with the development of overcoming problems that aren’t easily solved.  There is an emotional learning opportunity within puzzles because children are able to learn how to deal with frustration and how to cope with challenges.

But here’s the trick. Ease into it. 

You definitely don’t want to over challenge your toddler with a 1000 piece puzzle.  Talk about the puzzle before throwing your little one into it, feel free to give tips and tricks.  Like flipping all of the puzzle pieces so they’re facing up, and then starting with the edges.  Keep things light and fun.

Happy puzzling!