The world of jigsaw puzzles has seen some dramatic changes in the past few years. Remember the jigsaws that you had when you were young? Every year there was always one or two of these traditional toys lurking at the bottom of the Christmas stocking and would grow bigger and more complex every year that passed. The modern jigsaw has surpassed all of that. They are chunky, big and bright, well made confectioneries that come in all kinds of interesting and unusual shapes. For the younger set, the jigsaw could be made up of animals from the zoo. Each piece with its own alphabet letter so that whilst the child is busy fitting together the pieces the alphabet is also being learned. It is much easier for the child to be taught once he/she is familiar with the letters of the alphabet.

Or perhaps the child is more into dinosaurs, yes dinosaurs! There are bright, multi-coloured dinosaur jigsaw puzzles on offer complete with a caveman carrying a bone! For older children there are maps from around the world. Each jigsaw is split into counties or countries, and made from bright, chunky material, usually wood. What a great way to learn about the country you are living in or visiting on your next holiday. Think of the conversations these wooden jigsaws can initiate. What is this country famous for, or which famous world leader was born here, or something as simple as what is this town famous for.

There is much to be said for this traditional toy that has re-established itself with a modern twist. Many designs are available and will provide hours of ‘normal’ entertainment as well as learning opportunities for children of all ages. Today’s children are more sophisticated of course and will need something quite stimulating to get them interested. Instead of getting them that new techno gadget that everyone is talking about it may be wiser, in the long run, to get them something more ‘hands on’. The problem with today’s electronic gadgetry is it tends to isolate the child. They seemingly disappear into a world of make believe, not as good as it used to be!, of murder, mayhem and malevolence. The general idea is to kill everything in your path in the bloodiest, most violent way possible. Indeed, the more bloody - the more points!

No wonder then that schools are having more problems with bad or unruly behaviour. Is it possible that a child immersed in a computer game, instead of a more traditional toy, forgets where he is and starts acting out the violence he has been perpetuating in the confines of his bedroom? On top of this, children have lost the art of natural exercise. No more impromptu cricket games using the gate as stumps or the village green as a ’rounders’ pitch.

On a lighter note, did everyone have the same problem of the missing piece right at the end of the wooden jigsaw puzzle? Was it the same fairy who always stole one of dad’s socks from every pair I wonder?