ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1016
THE ROLE OF RIDDLES IN CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR
Umarova Vazira Xolmurad qizi
Termez State University 2
nd
course Master`s student.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15115590
Abstract.
This article explores the role of riddles in shaping children’s behavior, cognitive
development, and social skills. Riddles, as part of traditional and modern play, engage children
in problem-solving, critical thinking, and social interaction. Through a combination of language,
logic, and creativity, riddles enhance children's ability to think critically, improve their
communication skills, and promote collaboration with peers. By analyzing the psychological and
educational benefits of riddles, this article discusses how they contribute to behavioral
development in various social contexts, both in individual and group settings.
Keywords:
Riddles, children’s behavior, cognitive development, problem-solving, critical
thinking, social skills, communication, play, creativity, educational benefits.
РОЛЬ ЗАГАДОК В ПОВЕДЕНИИ ДЕТЕЙ
Аннотация.
В этой статье рассматривается роль загадок в формировании
поведения детей, когнитивного развития и социальных навыков. Загадки, как часть
традиционной и современной игры, вовлекают детей в решение проблем, критическое
мышление и социальное взаимодействие. Благодаря сочетанию языка, логики и
креативности загадки повышают способность детей критически мыслить, улучшают их
коммуникативные навыки и способствуют сотрудничеству со сверстниками. Анализируя
психологические и образовательные преимущества загадок, в этой статье обсуждается,
как они способствуют поведенческому развитию в различных социальных контекстах, как
в индивидуальных, так и в групповых условиях.
Ключевые слова:
Загадки, поведение детей, когнитивное развитие, решение
проблем, критическое мышление, социальные навыки, общение, игра, креативность,
образовательные преимущества.
Riddles have long been a significant part of childhood play and learning. They are not only
fun and entertaining but also serve as valuable tools for promoting cognitive and behavioral
development in children. By engaging children in playful challenges, riddles stimulate their
problem-solving abilities, foster creativity, and help improve communication and social skills.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1017
Through a deeper look into the role of riddles, this article will highlight how these
seemingly simple puzzles influence children's behavior, how they contribute to the development
of critical thinking skills, and their overall impact on social interactions.
Riddles require children to think critically, analyze information, and recognize patterns or
hidden meanings. These cognitive tasks contribute to the development of various mental skills
such as reasoning, memory, and attention to detail. For example, when solving a riddle, children
must use logic to decipher the clues and come up with the correct answer. This process encourages
children to think outside the box, which is a valuable skill not only in academics but also in real-
life problem-solving.
Example:
“I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no div, but I come alive with
wind. What am I?”
Answer: An echo.
This riddle challenges children to think beyond conventional ideas and helps them practice
logical thinking, as they must connect the abstract idea of an echo with its attributes.
Enhancing Social Skills Through Riddles
Riddles also play a significant role in children's social development. In group settings,
children share and solve riddles together, learning valuable skills such as collaboration, listening,
and turn-taking. These activities promote positive social interaction and improve their ability to
work with others toward a common goal. By solving riddles together, children learn how to
communicate effectively, explain their reasoning, and engage in discussions. Additionally, riddles
can boost confidence as children experience success in solving puzzles, which can lead to
improved self-esteem.
In a classroom setting, a teacher might ask a riddle to engage children and prompt them to
discuss possible answers. Through this interaction, children learn how to express their thoughts,
consider others' ideas, and collaborate to find the right solution.
Beyond cognitive and social benefits, riddles also have a direct impact on children's
behavior. Solving riddles encourages patience and persistence, as children often need time to
reflect on the clues and arrive at the correct answer. This fosters a growth mindset, where children
learn the value of perseverance and not giving up when faced with challenges. Furthermore, riddles
promote curiosity and a love of learning, as children are motivated to continue exploring new ideas
and seeking out solutions.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 3 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1018
In addition, riddles can influence emotional regulation, as children experience a range of
emotions during the process of solving a puzzle—excitement, frustration, and satisfaction. These
emotional responses contribute to the development of emotional intelligence, as children learn to
manage their feelings and celebrate success.
Conclusion
Riddles are more than just a form of entertainment for children; they serve as powerful
tools for fostering cognitive, social, and behavioral development. By encouraging critical thinking,
creativity, and collaboration, riddles contribute to the development of essential skills that children
carry with them into adulthood. The process of solving riddles helps children improve their
problem-solving abilities, enhance communication, and build strong social connections.
Moreover, riddles provide a fun and engaging way to promote positive behaviors such as
patience, persistence, and curiosity. In light of these benefits, riddles should be incorporated into
educational settings and daily life to help nurture well-rounded and confident individuals. By
promoting cognitive, social, and behavioral development, riddles are an essential tool in shaping
children's growth and preparing them for future challenges.
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Gardner, Howard. *Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences*. Basic Books,
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Bruner, Jerome. *Acts of Meaning*. Harvard University Press, 1990.
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Hidi, Suzanne, and Renate M. Baumann. "Motivating Students to Learn." *Educational
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