Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles:

Jigsaw puzzles provide brain food for young minds. Eye movement and eye-hand coordination help prepare children for reading. Experiences between the ages of 0 and 3 help "lay the foundation children need for lifelong self confidence and problem solving, and empowers them to explore, make mistakes and learn." (Farrar)

Jigsaw puzzles may be educational in content, helping children learn basic skills (colors, counting alphabet) and about their world (animals, transportation, careers). Well made, quality products combine these educational values with fun.

As children grow, their interest in puzzles may become more focused on puzzle topics that hold their interest - sports, horses and space are popular themes. The variety of jigsaw puzzles available now means that there are many choices that are age appropriate for children into adulthood. For some older children, ages 10 - 13, clever brainteasers challenge them and focus on problem solving.

Renewed interest in games has in part been fostered by home/parenting magazines and periodicals talking "about families spending more time together." (Kellachan) Although most people think of puzzles and games as rainy day activities, they really provide less expensive entertainment and a way to spend more time with family and friends. "They are for kids to play with when it's too hot to go outside, they're for crisp autumn mornings when there is not much to do, for snowy afternoons when children are tired of sledding, for summer evenings out on the porch, and for cold winter nights near the fire. In short, games and puzzles aren't weather or season specific; they are simply a product that brings people together." (Zobel)