Play with Puzzles Together

Ever tried to look like you have your life together while you’re absolutely baffled by a 12-piece dinosaur puzzle? Welcome to the club. This is for those of us who want to do something 'educational' with our kids but secretly hope they’ll solve it faster than we can. If you’re ready to flex your spatial skills (or at least pretend to), this is your moment to shine—or at least not lose any more puzzle pieces under the couch.

Puzzles are basically brain gyms for tiny humans: they boost problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and spatial reasoning. For parents, it’s a chance to slow down, model patience, and maybe even lower your blood pressure (if you don’t step on a piece). Plus, working together on a puzzle fires up those parent-child connection circuits—think oxytocin, dopamine, and all the good stuff that makes you feel like a team, even if you’re both stumped by the missing giraffe head.

How to do it

  1. Choose a puzzle that matches your child’s skill level. Start with something simple to keep the experience fun and frustration-free.

  2. Find a suitable space to work on the puzzle. Avoid high-traffic areas like the dining table right before mealtime, so you won’t have to move everything in a rush.

  3. Encourage your child to take the lead. Ask guiding questions and offer gentle hints, but try not to jump in and finish the puzzle for them. Remember to take deep breaths and enjoy the process together.

  4. Celebrate small victories along the way. Whether it’s finding the right piece or simply keeping the puzzle intact, acknowledge these moments to keep motivation high.

  5. If your child’s attention starts to fade, it’s perfectly fine to take a break. There’s no need to finish the puzzle in one sitting—enjoy the journey at your own pace.

Tips:

  • Keep the atmosphere relaxed and positive.
  • Use encouraging words to build confidence.
  • Store unfinished puzzles safely if you need to pause.
  • Make it about teamwork, not just completion.

When you hear 'I'm bored' or see your child wandering aimlessly.

Pull out one puzzle and put two pieces together with your child.
High-five your child and do your best 'puzzle master' victory dance (bonus points for embarrassing moves).
Store a few age-appropriate puzzles in a visible, easy-to-reach basket.

Right after your first cup of coffee (or during, if you’re brave).

Sit down and ask your child to pick a puzzle piece to start with.
Say out loud, 'Look at us, future puzzle champions!' and flash a big grin.
Clear a small space on the coffee table just for puzzles—no bills or mystery crumbs allowed.

After tidying up toys in the afternoon.

Place one puzzle piece where it belongs and invite your child to do the same.
Give yourself a mental gold star for quality time, and maybe sneak a piece of chocolate.
Pick a 'puzzle of the week' and leave the box top out as a visual reminder.