Did you know  concentration is like a muscle that requires regular exercise to strengthen?

Did you know a child's attention span varies as per their age?

Have you ever noticed  that a child can focus on a video game or TV program for hours on end, but when they're asked to do their homework, their mind begins to wander within minutes?

Developing concentration skills can be challenging for elementary-school children. In general, a child can concentrate hard for three to five minutes every year they live. For instance, a five-year-old may be able to focus for 15 minutes, while a ten-year-old may be able to focus for about an hour.

While some children are able to focus for short periods of time, children usually have a hard time doing so when there are many distractions around. Nevertheless, you and your child can improve their attention and focus without feeling as if it is a chore.

Your child may find it easier to concentrate when he or she completes a labyrinth.  Unlike puzzles and games that challenge the mind, labyrinths help you focus and meditate.

 What is a Labyrinth?

Labyrinth is an ancient meditative tool. Labyrinths are patterns of pathways that circle a central point. Getting to the centre involves walking through the pathways. A labyrinth is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Walking along the path can be relaxing, since they keep you at a slower pace.

How to work on a Labyrinth ?

Step 1 :  Take deep breaths to relax and focus on the entrance to the labyrinth. 

Step 2 : Use your non-dominant hand to place your marker at the entrance of the labyrinth. Use your dominant hand if this seems awkward at first. Try your non-dominant hand gradually over time. Due to its challenge, this keeps your mind focused during meditation.

Step 3:  Follow the path of the labyrinth with your marker, letting your mind be free from extraneous thoughts and focusing solely on following it. 

Step 4 : Step into the labyrinth's centre and rest momentarily, taking deep breaths as you observe your emotions. 

Step 5 : You need to retrace your steps out of the labyrinth. Take a deep breath and relax. Again, pay attention to how you feel.

Why should a child solve these labyrinths?

Although they enjoy it as a leisure activity, completing Labyrinth is an extremely technical and logical process. Let's take a look at some of them below.

 Develop cognitive skills

The labyrinth improves children's cognitive skills. These exercises work like brain boosters. As a result, their memory is sharpened, their focus is improved, and their concentration level is greatly enhanced.

Motor skills development

In labyrinths, children need to navigate their way through narrow passages. They need to take their time and not rush to complete the puzzle. This controlled motion also helps them to produce readable handwriting in the future.

Mazes and handwriting skills

Children begin to prepare their hands for writing even before they are able to write. The small muscles in hands and fingers need to be developed in order to assist him in writing. Working on Labyrinth is  the perfect way to help develop these muscles.

Strengthen visual skills

Children plan out their moves before they begin the labyrinth. It is natural for them to scan their eyes over a labyrinth circuit in order to determine where and when to go straight or turn. As a result, they gain greater knowledge of complex settings and have the ability to succeed in them.

Hand eye coordination

Using their little fingers to move on the track requires children to concentrate meticulously with their minds. Children can only achieve this when they have excellent hand-eye coordination, and it definitely improves with practice.

A virtue embodied by patience

Children do take their time to solve the labyrinth, and as a result, they are taught the value of persistence; that they should not give up, that patience will yield positive results and that real effort will never go to waste.

Provides a sense of confidence

Completing  a labyrinth gives a child a sense of accomplishment and lifts their spirits to do better next time. 

 It is easy for children's self-esteem to suffer when they are struggling with focus or any other skill. In order to improve a child's focus, praise their hard work. Keep an eye out for even the smallest improvements. Let the child know that he or she can improve their focus skills. A child's strengths should be considered along with his or her challenges. Celebrate focus wins, no matter how big or small. When kids know what they're good at, they gain confidence and remain motivated when things get tough.

Head on to See Sow to explore the Labyrinth through their interactive garment Labyrinth-unisex-co-ord-set