Juggling work, home and other responsibilities can be overwhelming, and sometimes we as parents feel that our kids are playing on electronic devices more than we’d like. And while it’s true that tablets and video games can keep our children quietly occupied, we know there’s a better way. At Pinhole Press, we love the idea of unplugging children to let them play, and we have some great ideas for games you can enjoy with them.
Please be prepared to deal with the side effects of these classic games, such as:
- Lots of giggling
- Person-to-person contact
- Warm conversations
- Happy memories
Puzzles
As children pass the 2-year mark, they may start to enjoy solving 12-piece puzzles. These can be arranged in a short period of time, and kids feel such triumph when they see a puzzle completed. Sit with your child as he or she works a puzzle — you’ll love seeing that huge grin as he or she trumpets proudly, “Look what I did!” As your children’s skills improve, continue to challenge them by finding puzzles with more pieces. Make play time extra special by creating a unique jigsaw puzzle from Pinhole Press using a photo of your child, your family or a favorite pet. You can bet that it will be a long-time favorite.
Matching Games
Matching games are another classic favorite. They usually take around fifteen minutes to play and can teach young children early math skills. At Pinhole Press, you can create a custom matching game for your child. Use 12 of their favorite photos to create a 24-tile set of sturdy matching cards. There are over 10 different themes to choose from, so you can find the perfect set for your little one. Imagine your child’s wide eyes when they turn over the cards and see their pet, their home or even a silly self-portrait! Custom memory games are perfect for children aged two to eight. It will probably be your kid’s first pick every time.
Flash Cards
We cannot say enough good things about flash cards, and have a hard time believing that any child can have too many! For a young child, flash cards are a great way to learn family names and faces. As children get older, simply add to your deck or raise the level of difficulty with math and foreign language cards. There is a limitless amount that a child can learn. Flash cards are a great way to make a game out of learning new topics and skills.
At Pinhole Press, we’re proud to make quality games and puzzles from photos you love. We’re even prouder that we can help your family make memories you’ll treasure forever. Everyone unplug and play!
About the Author
A self-proclaimed New Yorker from the Midwest, Rachel Castro lets design and color inspire her everyday life. Designer by day and DIYer by night, you can follow all of her latest projects on Digs & DIY, where she documents her favorites from recipes to redesign.