| Games have always been one of the most engaging | | | | eye co-ordination. |
| and reliable ways to teach kids new skills and reinforce | | | | For older children, the award winning range from |
| them so they are not forgotten. Kids naturally want to | | | | Thinkfun provides a great range of logic based toys |
| play games so if they are able to learn something at | | | | that are designed to engage the brain, increase |
| the same time it can be beneficial on a number of | | | | concentration and problem solving skills. These games |
| levels. | | | | are commonly known as brainteaser puzzles and, like |
| In modern society the word "games" has become | | | | electronic games, can be played by one person. As |
| synonymous with computer games. And while | | | | with all brain teaser games, creative thinking is required |
| computer games may have their strengths, they are | | | | - these are not mere distractions or time-passers. |
| not the only type of games to engage and educate. | | | | Their games are simple, self contained and ingenious. In |
| Board games, logic puzzles and educational toys are | | | | Rush Hour, a popular example, a player must move |
| designed to get kid's minds working. These games also | | | | their car game-piece around a small board packed |
| work a different art of the mind than computer games | | | | with other vehicles and maneuver themselves from |
| and can help with spatial development and dexterity. | | | | one side of the town board to the other. The player |
| For babies the learning company Lamaze introduces | | | | can set their own challenge level and, as they become |
| educational toys for the youngest baby. Straight from | | | | more competent, the game can become accordingly |
| birth their range of soft and colourful toys draws the | | | | more difficult. |
| interest of babies and starts to develop their sense of | | | | If you are thinking of a way to engage your child |
| hearing, sight and touch. | | | | beyond a flickering screen then you could also |
| As children of this age do not see very well, sound is | | | | consider jigsaw puzzles (try a puzzle with a picture of |
| emphasised and the different auditory responses | | | | your child's favourite character) or sandbox playsets, |
| generated by the toys can then begin developing | | | | mosaic creation kits, puppet theaters and many more |
| awareness, concentration and cause and effect. Their | | | | games that are designed to enhance your child's |
| toys cater for children from 0-2 years. Toys in the | | | | creativity and having something on hand before you |
| later years emphasise motor movements and hand | | | | "unplug" your child is recommended. |