It is not a question of scorning computer or video games, which several studies have shown to increase a child's concentration and attention span. But what about their imagination? If you keep everything in proportion, there is no reason why you should not allow your child to play on the computer and also spend several hours a week with them on other pursuits.

Tongue twisters and guessing games
Word games are great fun, above all for children between the ages of three (when they have learned to talk and can speak some 300 words) and nine or ten.

Playing word games is fun and easy. In the shops or on the internet you can find hundreds of tongue twisters with which to practise. You can start with a few simple ones and set a time limit in which to memorise or read them. The one who reads a certain number (say, five or six) most accurately and in the shortest time is the winner. You could also try reading the tongue twisters with just one vowel, the A for example, and you will see what fun you can have.

Guessing games can be played in two ways. You suggest all the ones you know and let them guess, or else play together. The method is as follows. Find a word that is the solution and then look for adjectives that define it or look for synonyms. Together there is no doubt you will come up with many guessing games.

These games stimulate children's imagination as well as their capacity to learn the language. Also, tongue twisters can help your children if they have problems articulating a specific letter or vowel.

Alphabet soup and jigsaw puzzles
Although these games may appear to be very complicated for children, do not forget that there are puzzles available for all ages and that letter alphabet soup also exists for children as young as six (when they start writing).

Alphabet soup helps children learn new words since they are probably unaware of the meaning of many of the words they have to find or else do not have a clear perception of what they really mean.

Jigsaw puzzles help children to be more self-sufficient, especially if you encourage them to complete the puzzles themselves. Make sure you always buy the puzzle in consideration of your child's age or capacity.

As you can see there is still a limitless number of traditional games to play. Discover them with your children and delight in them once more.