As a loving parent, you will be very interested in giving your child critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Those are essential skills to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.
Unfortunately, a big obstacle to face with is screen time! Children’s screen time is at an all-time high due to the popularity of video games, social networking, streaming services, and other digital entertainment.
Understanding the negative effects of screen time is important. Let’s explore!
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Does screen exposure impact children?
Recent research has revealed that digital screens do affect young children, especially those under 2 years old. Early exposure to television or video in infancy was linked to abnormal sensory processing.
But what are the reasons for screen time in young children?
In a study led by Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, PhD, from Rutgers University, 133 parents shared their thoughts. They mentioned that their kids needed access to other fun activities that were affordable. Some parents also mentioned that they were tired and needed a break, or they had chores to do at home, or the weather outside wasn’t good for playing (Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Vol. 47, No. 4, 2015).
Luckily, instead of relying on digital devices to entertain your kids, toys can spark their imagination and creativity. They encourage exploration and discovery in an enjoyable and safe setting. These 7 easily accessible toys for problem-solving will encourage your child’s inventiveness and curiosity:
1.Shape Sorters
Shape sorters may seem simple, but they’re incredibly effective at helping kids learn how to solve problems. Children learn logic and space awareness when they hold shapes and try to fit them into matching slots. Through trial and error, children learn about cause and effect, improving their problem-solving skills in a hands-on way.
- Age range: from 6 months to 3 years old.
2. Building Blocks
Building blocks have stood the test of time as one of the ultimate toys for problem-solving and creativity. Children face challenges when building towering skyscrapers or intricate structures. They have to plan, analyze, and solve problems as they fit different shapes and sizes together. Playing with building blocks helps kids get better at using their hands, working together with others, and understanding space. It gives them lots of chances to learn and grow.
- Age range: from 1 year to 15 years old.
3.Coding Charms
In today’s technology-driven world, coding skills are more valuable than ever. Coding charms are a fun way for kids to learn about coding. They can try out sequences, loops, and variables by solving coding challenges and making their own stories. It helps them think logically and learn about computers enjoyably and interactively.
- Age range: from 6 to 15 years old.
4. Board Games
Board games are fun and teach you things. They make you think strategically, solve problems, and interact with others. Visualize a family gathered around the kitchen table, immersed in a heated game of Monopoly. When kids play games like Monopoly, they learn how to negotiate, handle money, and outsmart others. It helps them get better at dealing with changes and bouncing back from challenging situations.
- Age range: wide range of ages (from 3 and up)
5. Puzzles
Puzzles are a timeless favorite for fostering problem-solving skills and cognitive development. Kids learn how to see patterns, solve problems, and keep trying when they do jigsaw puzzles and brain teasers. Imagine a group of kids excitedly working on a tricky puzzle, studying each piece and looking for clues to solve it. They try different ways to solve the puzzle, feeling both frustrated and happy until they finally finish it.
- Age range: wide range of ages (from toddlers to adults)
6. Magnatiles
Magnatiles are fun because kids can create all sorts of shapes and patterns with them. They’re magnetic, so you can quickly move them around. Playing with Magnatiles helps kids be creative, try balancing things, and understand space better. They can build giant castles or fantastic sculptures, and it encourages them to be innovative and think like architects.
- Age range: from 3 and up.
7. Marble Runs
Marble runs are exciting because kids get to use physics and engineering to design and build tracks for marbles. They can experiment with how fast the marbles go and how they move with gravity. If there are problems, like obstacles or dead ends, kids have to figure out how to fix them. It’s hands-on learning that makes them curious and helps them think critically.
- Age range: from 4 and up.
Modern alternative toys for problem-solving: Hone Your Child’s skills with STEM subscription boxes.
Nowadays, more and more parents are paying attention in learning while playing for their kids, so STEM is a great choice.
STEM subscription boxes aim to spark kids’ curiosity and inspire them to be creative thinkers. They offer activities like building robots and doing cool chemistry experiments. With everything provided in the box (with various choices on various topics), kids can turn any place into a fun learning zone.
Please note that you should carefully read the instructions on the toys you buy to choose appropriate for your child’s age.
Happy time with your kids!
Read more: With Lego books: Ready to Build Anything! Explore “The LEGO Ideas Book New Edition”
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