Games and puzzles are great for sharpening the mind, and improving vocabulary, critical thinking and problem-solving. We know this but don't play them often, becoming too busy with workbooks and structured work. But you can strike a balance and you should!. These off-work activity helps to fine-tune focus and attention, improve your short-term memory, strengthen your vocabulary and provide you with a healthy dose of dopamine. We played games as a family even though sometimes it felt like a chore. We were not used to having fun so we had to focus on that a little. So we tried putting it in our schedule and before long, it became a habit. We added 'playing Scrabble' into our Saturday evening schedule after a long day at football practice and 2 hours of 11-plus lessons. What is your family's favourite game? For our OS course parents, remember you have a list of Games to sharpen the mind, improve vocabulary, critical thinking and problem-solving.