10 Reasons Why Jigsaws Are A Fab Activity For Kids⎪AD

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We have had quite a few wet and windy days the past week so we’ve been enjoying cosying down in the house after a walk, with something warm to drink and some tasty snacks.
I had a big sort out in the toy room and the kids have been doing some of their jigsaws. I do love a good jigsaw and often sit with the boys and complete one with them, especially on rainy days like these.

Here are 10 reasons why jigsaws are a fab activity for kids.

 

1 Escapism from screens

I don’t know about anybody else but my two have their fair share of screen time.  My eldest would play his games for hours on end if he could get away with it.
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to instigate a break from screen time. By introducing an alternative to their iPad, you can quickly and easily steer them into another activity without the inevitable meltdown!

 

2 Fine Motor Skills

Jigsaws are especially good for developing fine motor skills. Picking up the jigsaw pieces and moving them into the correct space is a really good activity for practising fine motor schools. It can also improve hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

3 Improves memory

Doing a jigsaw can improve your short term memory because they help strengthen existing connections between our brain cells. When a  child plays with a jigsaw, not only will it improve memory, it will help improve concentration levels and help to broaden their attention span.
My little one is autistic and can lose interest in an activity very quickly! I find jigsaws are the one thing that he will sit down and become emersed in whilst trying to complete it.

 

4 Improves Problem Solving Skills

The more jigsaws that children complete the more their problem-solving skills will progress. Especially when they move on to the bigger jigsaws and they can sort the pieces by colour and specific shapes.

 

5 Great Gifts

The variety of different styles that jigsaws are available in is mindboggling. There really is something for everyone’s taste, you can even have your own design printed! Jigsaws are available from a whole host of different retailers to suit all budgets. Places like The Works have a huge selection of puzzles for as little as £2. This makes them ideal for children to buy with their pocket money as well as being fantastic stocking fillers!
After gifting, the recipient could even frame their jigsaw puzzle and pop it on the wall. There are some stunning art puzzles that are designed by independent artists around the world.

 

6 Encourages Teamwork

I often sit and join in with the boys when they do a jigsaw puzzle. It’s a nice way to spend some time together and have a chat whilst you help each other find the pieces. It teaches valuable life skills of working as a team to accomplish

 

7 Mindfulness

I think jigsaws are very calming and a great way for children to practice mindfulness. They reduce stress levels which in turn helps strengthen mental and emotional wellbeing.
Perfect for a bit of time out when children feel a little overwhelmed.

 

8 Learning Through Play

There are so many jigsaw designs, from dinosaurs and deep-sea creatures to ancient history and world maps. Jigsaws are fun and great to introduce new subjects to your children. The concentration needed to complete the jigsaw helps your child absorb the subject matter more easily.

 

9 Confidence Building

Jigsaws are great for building a child’s confidence and giving them a sense of achievement when they finally manage to complete it. We all know how satisfying it can be when you finally solve a problem that you have been facing for a while, that is exactly the same feeling as when you place that last piece of the jigsaw puzzle.

 

10 Boredom Busters

You know the score, you planned a lovely week away in an idyllic location near the British coast. Unfortunately, the weather has other ideas and the constant rain confines you to your holiday home. Jigsaws require no internet connection and are suitable for everyone to get involved with. When we stopped in Dorset, our holiday home had a cupboard fully stocked with jigsaws and other puzzles that were a godsend on rainy days.

 

When was the last time you had fun completing a jigsaw puzzle?

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