| There is no doubt about it, using computer | | | | that can be used to stimulate thinking in |
| games is a great way to encourage children to | | | | children. For many people, this is the |
| expand their realm of thinking. Your options | | | | perfect way to go to encourage children to |
| for entertaining your child may seem | | | | learn how to solve problems without letting |
| numbered. Many people allow their children to | | | | them in on it! Yes, because games are fun, |
| spend quite a bit of time in front of the | | | | the child will not fight you on playing them. |
| television. But, what good does that do? If | | | | Much unlike a lesson plan, this way seems to |
| you want them to learn something while they | | | | encourage children to come back to the game |
| are zoned out, you are completely lost. But, | | | | time and time again, therefore getting the |
| if you flip on the computer, download a great | | | | experiences they need to learn a thing or |
| game, you may actually be able to encourage | | | | two.But, what are these games? What are the |
| them to learn more and you will encourage | | | | options that are out there for your child? |
| good thinking skills as well.Thinking is not | | | | There are many games, and although we will |
| something that everyone can do well. Now, we | | | | only talk about a few here, find ones that |
| are referring here to the thought process | | | | will work well with your child. What are his |
| that goes along with solving problems. For | | | | or her likes and dislikes? Sports? Television |
| many children, this is something they | | | | characters? Perhaps they enjoy space or under |
| struggle with. Mom or Dad always takes care | | | | water adventures. Search out those games that |
| of the problems. If something isn't right, | | | | will intrigue them as well as encourage them |
| just call mom or dad. Even on the television, | | | | to think.Some to consider include Big |
| that is full of real life and imaginary | | | | Thinkers Kindergarten and the series of |
| "problems" that need to be solved, there is | | | | Freddi Fish Adventures as well as many other |
| no encouragement for children to come up with | | | | games specifically for children. These are |
| the solution. What happens then? They just | | | | mainly for younger children, but you'll find |
| sit and watch and let someone else handle the | | | | many more for older children as well. In |
| problem.But, what happens when they are older | | | | fact, consider giving your older kids more |
| or in a situation where they have to solve | | | | puzzle related games to help them along this |
| the problem at hand? Do they know how to | | | | course as well.When you give your child the |
| analyze their thoughts, ideas, and to find | | | | gift of being a problem solver, they will |
| the right solution? Many don't. But, if you | | | | work through the situations that happen to |
| would like your child to be the one who does | | | | them, big and small, without fear of not |
| know how to flip the switch on and solve the | | | | knowing how to handle them. They will be more |
| problem, consider allowing them to sit in | | | | likely to do well in the real world then. |
| front of the computer as opposed to the | | | | What's more is that you can feel good about |
| television.Okay, so too much time in front of | | | | all that time they spend in front of the tube |
| the computer isn't much better, but there are | | | | (even though it's the computer not the |
| ways to you make what time you do allow them | | | | television!)Steve is a member of the |
| to sit at the computer to be good times. This | | | | GrandMatrix team. They provide a broad range |
| is you simply need to maximize what they are | | | | of games, puzzles, articles and reviews. |
| doing. There are several good games out there | | | | |