It’s summer vacation time in the northern hemisphere and families all over Europe and the USA are sweltering! 🙁 – just awful! If you’ve got your kids inside to escape the heat, you’re probably wondering what to do that doesn’t involve a device? Why not try puzzles? I’m not just talking jigsaw puzzles (although these were MASSIVE during the pandemic and you’ve probably got some still unopened in your cupboard?), I’m also thinking about word puzzles – crosswords, word finds – or maths puzzles.
Research has proven time and again that doing puzzles makes us smarter and for kids at school, this is only going to give then an advantage, right? So here are 5 Reasons Why Solving Puzzles Makes Kids Smarter. Why not try some of these, this summer vacation?
Cognitive Enhancement: Puzzles stimulate the brain and encourage the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning. When you engage in puzzles regularly, it can improve memory, boost concentration, and enhance overall cognitive function. My favourite puzzle book, which you can buy at your local newsagent or subscribe to is the ‘Better Homes and Gardens Puzzle Book‘. It is mainly for adults because you can win some great prizes, like cars and homewares, which I confess is my main reason for buying it! But, it does keep my brain sharp!
Stress Reduction: Solving puzzles can act as a form of meditation, as it requires focused attention and a calm mind. The act of concentrating on a puzzle can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting relaxation and a sense of accomplishment. This is a great activity to help your kids stay calm on long road trips!
Improved Memory: Puzzles often involve remembering shapes, patterns, and details. This constant exercise of memory and recall can help improve both short-term and long-term memory functions. Having a good memory will help your child do better at Maths!
Enhanced Creativity: Puzzles challenge your mind to think creatively and “outside the box.” This is mainly because doing puzzles utilizes the problem solving areas of the brain. As you look for solutions, you may come up with innovative approaches or find new perspectives to tackle problems.
Social Interaction and Bonding: Solving puzzles can be a fun and engaging group activity. It encourages social interaction, teamwork, and communication among family members, friends, or coworkers. Completing a puzzle together fosters a sense of achievement and strengthens the bond between participants. ‘Words with Friends‘ is a great example of solving puzzles with others in the digital age!
Overall, solving puzzles offers a holistic range of benefits, from mental agility and stress relief to enhanced creativity and social bonding. Making it a part of your routine can contribute to overall mental well-being and cognitive development.
