In this fast-paced digital age, where screens and gadgets often dominate our children’s lives, it’s easy to overlook the timeless benefits of a simple toy: LEGO bricks. As a young, entrepreneurial mom, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how LEGO has not only brought endless joy to my child but also played a pivotal role in shaping his personality and preparing him for the future.I would like to highlight the top 3 benefits that have positively impacted my son.
Resilience and Staying Power
Resilience is a quality we all wish for our children to possess, and LEGO has been instrumental in nurturing this trait in my own child. From the moment he first picked up those colorful bricks, he was faced with the delightful yet challenging task of turning his imagination into reality. Building intricate structures, following complex instructions, and handling occasional setbacks when creations didn’t turn out as planned — all of these experiences have taught him valuable lessons in perseverance.
One particular instance stands out. At the tender age of nine, my son embarked on a journey into the magical world of Harry Potter. What amazed me was his unwavering commitment to reading the series. He devoured three parts of the series in a matter of weeks, immersing himself in the enchanting tales of Hogwarts. His dedication was astounding, and I couldn’t help but connect it to his LEGO-building experiences. LEGO had instilled in him the “staying power” to tackle tasks, whether small or big, and this translated beautifully into his love for reading.
Mathematical Aptitude
Another remarkable outcome of my son’s LEGO journey has been his deep love for numbers and mathematics. It’s no coincidence that many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals credit their early experiences with LEGO for their interest in these fields. The act of designing, measuring, and constructing with LEGO bricks inherently involves mathematical concepts.
As my son’s LEGO collection grew, so did his fascination with numbers. He began to view math not as a daunting subject but as a fascinating puzzle to be solved. His problem-solving skills and mathematical aptitude blossomed, opening up a world of opportunities for him. Studies have shown that early exposure to hands-on, STEM-based activities like LEGO can significantly improve a child’s mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for navigating the technological landscape of the future.
Exploring the World Through Geography and Cartography
LEGO isn’t just about building structures; it’s also about creating entire worlds. My son’s LEGO sets introduced him to the concepts of geography and cartography in unexpected ways. As he constructed landscapes, cities, and even imaginary continents, he developed an insatiable curiosity about the world.
This curiosity led to a deep interest in geography and cartography. He started studying maps, globes, and atlases, and his room began to resemble a mini geographical library. LEGO had sparked a passion for understanding the world and its diverse cultures, making him a budding cartographer in his own right. Research suggests that hands-on, spatial-based activities like LEGO can foster a child’s geographic and mapping skills, which are essential for navigating the increasingly interconnected world.
Conclusion
As a mom, I couldn’t be prouder of the person my child is becoming, and I owe a significant debt of gratitude to LEGO for playing a pivotal role in his development. Yes, LEGO can be seen as an investment — it’s not the most budget-friendly toy, and it requires storage space and commitment. However, the rewards are immeasurable. LEGO has shaped my child’s character, teaching him resilience, enhancing his mathematical aptitude, and fostering a love for geography and cartography.
My hope is that this blog will inspire fellow entrepreneurial moms to consider the enduring benefits of LEGO play for their own children and join me on this exciting adventure of nurturing resilient, curious, and capable young minds — minds that are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the AI revolution.
As mothers, it’s our primary responsibility to guide our children towards creativity, innovation, and the development of essential life skills. Whether it’s through LEGO, art, music, or any other engaging activity, we must continually explore ways to foster resilience, problem-solving, and a thirst for knowledge in our children. By equipping them with these innate skills, we’re not only preparing them for the unknown future but also empowering them to become the changemakers and trailblazers of tomorrow.