Puzzles…Hard to Find Good Help

Elaina has recently become interested in puzzles. 

It’s amazing how she seems to progress, not just daily, but at each sitting.  She was doing 4-piece puzzles and stretching to the 6-piece ones.  A couple days later, the 6-piece puzzles were about right, and she was struggling with 9-piece ones.  Later that same day, the 6-piece ones were easy and she was doing the 9-piece puzzles.

It’s great to see her determination and concentration.  Elaina’s always seemed bright, to me, but she has always…well…let’s just say she has always favored action over contemplation.   Wanting to encourage this new love of puzzles, and wanting to try on my parent-pushing-too-hard hat, I got her some 12-piece puzzles…and some 24 piece puzzles just in case.

Today was her first day with the 12-piece puzzles.  Heidi said she was having trouble with them earlier today, but tonight, she was doing them really well, and her attention span is great.  She sat with me at her little table and did five or six 12-piece puzzles.  They take her a little bit, but she doesn't need help or get frustrated.  She just keeps at it, with this quiet confidence and concentration. 

I was helping her take them apart, so she could do it again, and Elaina said, "Thanks, Daddy.  You're a good helper."