Five brain activities to do with your tween this weekend

The weekend is usually the ideal time for us to hang out and bond as a family, and for us as parents to take a break.

While there is a definite temptation to let the kids watch as much TV as their little hearts desire, we need to ensure that their brains are kept ticking over.

Here are five brain activities to carry out with your tween this weekend:

Do a brainteaser

A basic crossword or game of Sudoku is great to kick tweens’ brains into gear and keep them active while, of course, expanding their knowledge and improving language skills.

Have a family game night

Crack out the Monopoly board, the card deck and the Jenga blocks, because not only are these games fun but they are also an exercise in critical thinking, problem-solving and working as a team.

Take up an instrument

Music has been proven to make us happier and smarter, and learning a new instrument is like giving our brain an intensive workout. Start them off with a small instrument like a tin whistle, a starter guitar or a ukulele – they will have great fun while flexing their brain power to the max.

Follow a cooking tutorial

Select a recipe that your tween might like to make, get the ingredients in, then send them off on their merry way to the kitchen! Not only will they take on and hone a new skillset, but they will also learn about new foods and cultures.

Make a model

There are so many different models available in craft shops these days that it won’t be hard to find something that will hold your tween’s attention. Piecing a model together will boost their brain function, encouraging them to think critically and work their mental flexibility and coordination.