How to get your kid to solve puzzles?
Choosing a puzzle for your child is an essential first step in getting them to solve puzzles. Your choice of children’s educational puzzles will depend on your child’s age, skill level, and other factors such as space availability and materials.
- Choose a puzzle appropriate for your child’s age and skill level. For example, if you have a 3-year-old who has never done puzzles before and wants to start with something easy (like 5-piece puzzles), it would be best to choose something like that. If you have a 7-year-old who loves doing word searches but struggles with picture puzzles, then maybe try starting with letter search puzzles instead.
- Choose a puzzle that is challenging but not frustrating. When choosing one, ensure it’s not too hard or too easy. If they only have one piece left, they won’t want to keep working on it because they’ll be frustrated at how long it takes them. The best way to do this is by making sure there aren’t any pieces missing or broken either; this means having fun while learning new skills.
Show enthusiasm for the puzzle
If your child is just getting started, or if they’re interested in solving a puzzle but not quite sure how to go about it, show them how fun puzzles can be. This is an excellent way of getting them interested in solving the first puzzle that comes their way. If any children’s educational puzzles are lying around the house (on tables or bookshelves), pick one up and talk about whatever picture is on it. Tell them stories about what you did when you were their age: what games you played, where you went with friends and family members and then try out some different strategies while explaining what each move does to help complete the picture or reveal more details within it.
Don’t overcontrol the process
Don’t tell them how to do it. Instead, provide the space and materials for your child to experiment with different solutions.
- Be sure not to give a hint or solution verbally or with gestures.
- Your child will have an easier time finding their answers if they’re allowed to work at their own pace without being rushed by your impatience or concern that they’ll move on too soon. It’s also important not to hover over them while working not to disrupt their focus; this can be hard because parents want nothing more than success for their children. But remember, sometimes failure is as critical as success when learning new skills. So, go easy on yourself, mama bear and let those little cubs figure things out on their own (but don’t leave them unsupervised).
- If you give feedback at every step along the way, there won’t be any sense of accomplishment when completing a puzzle.
Use a puzzle as a reward rather than an obligation
Puzzles are a great way to get your child to solve problems and develop his other.
If your kid is struggling with a puzzle, break it down into smaller pieces for them. This will help them solve the puzzle more efficiently and keep their attention on it instead of getting frustrated.
If they finish homework or chores without complaining, give them time to do puzzles. There are so many different types of puzzles available nowadays that there’s no excuse not to get started right away!
Set up an appropriate workspace for your child
A quiet and orderly space is essential for a child to focus on solving puzzles. Consider setting up an appropriate workspace for your child:
- Ensure that the area where you’re setting up their puzzle is close enough to you so you can keep an eye on them while they’re working, but not so tight that they feel crowded and uncomfortable.
- Be sure there’s enough space for the child to work without getting in the way of others or bumping into furniture as they move around (in other words, ensure there’s plenty of room).
- Make sure there are no distractions nearby (such as other children playing or having conversations) because this may interfere with concentration during playtime activities.