Puzzles are an excellent way to build logical thinking and conceptual knowledge. Do not underestimate the power of puzzles to develop a sharp, smart mind.Begin puzzles for your children as early as 2 years of age. At 2 years, you can do 3-4 piece puzzles. and slowly move up.How to help kids with puzzles at any age:

Take a flat surface – prefer having a dark color paper or s…heet or brown cardboard / wood / floor / table to work on. The more simple the background, the easier it is for the child to pay attention to the puzzle pieces

1. Resist the temptation to give the answers and solve it for them. If you have a strong need to solve their puzzles or are impatient while they figure it, you need to get yourself a puzzle box!

2. The first times, show your kid how the puzzle is done. If they are in a hurry to take pieces from you, let them just play around it, even if they solve nothing. This helps create INTEREST.

3. At another time, pick the same puzzle. “Let’s do this together today”. Pick a piece with the most character in it, i.e. one which looks the most detailed e.g. one with face, or color and shape so that it is easy to recognize the other part that fits in.

4. Pick the connecting piece and explain how the color or the design matches at the edges and that is why they ‘fit in’

5. Calmly explain how to fit pieces in like push the edges together or push down the pieces so that they are flat.

6. If your child gets frustrated, leave it. There is no point in teaching with negative emotions looming around. Remember, finishing the puzzle is not important, learning a little bit at a time is! Focus more on the process than the outcome.

7. Leave a puzzle out on the dining table or your child’s table without saying a word. See if your child plays with it within 1 -3 days of keeping it. Again, do not mention anything, just leave the puzzle out and observe. If your child notices it and plays, you know your child is interested in solving problems!