Cork teacher and mum develops puzzle to help 'nourish' children

TEACHER and mother Niamh O’Sullivan has created a new puzzle in response to the increased amount of time children and teenagers are spending on social media.

Jigsee is a jigsaw puzzle with a special message to the person completing the puzzle. Unlike traditional jigsaw puzzles, where the person completing it uses the picture on the box as a guide, with Jigsee, the must persevere to complete the puzzle and the message is only revealed when it is completed.

Niamh said: “Fostering self-esteem and creating an environment where children believe in themselves is important to me. 

As a mother and a teacher, I am aware of increased pressures that children feel today, and strive to help relieve these worries in any way that I can.

Originally from Waterford, Niamh lives in Cork with her husband and four daughters. She has a degree in Philosophical and Theological Studies and later qualified as a teacher.

She said; “After qualifying as a teacher, I was fortunate enough to be part of the Chaplaincy Team in UCC for a year before embarking on teaching full time.”

Niamh completed an MA in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care. She has worked as the school chaplain in Coláíste Stiofáin Naofa for the past 22 years.

Her work there and her experience as a mother of four makes her adept in understanding the pressures young children and teenagers can feel as a result of social media.

“Increased usage of social media and screen time can really influence how we see ourselves in the world, and competing for this time with kids can be a challenge,” she said.

“I wanted to show my children more traditional ways of play and fun while also encouraging them to be who they are. 

I was looking for a puzzle for my own daughter at the time with the aim of limiting her screen time, boosting her self-confidence and nourishing her spirit. 

"While mindful products were available, I had imagined a different type of product. Hence, Jigsee was born.”

Niamh created the first Jigsee at her kitchen table using Twistables and cardboard. Her daughters enjoyed the prototype and Niamh decided she wanted to make the mindfulness jigsaw puzzle available to more children and teenagers.

“I needed to make these available for every child. The reason; so they feel special. This is what Jigsee is about!

“The humble jigsaw has been around a while and there is a growing interest in returning to traditional play. Jigsee offers this in a fresh and new imaginative way,” she said.

Niamh facilitated focus groups before bringing Jigsee to the market.

“I was amazed at how many people of different ages and backgrounds it appealed to. Primarily, it was made for children but I have since discovered it appeals to anyone who likes jigsaws. The unknown message seems to help people persevere at it too.”

Jigsee puzzles fall into four categories: encouragement, happiness, creativity and love.

Niamh said; “The message in the Jigsee for me is very important. It can enable connection or meaningful conversations in a relaxed, comfortable and fun way.

“It seems that Jigsee’s appeal is broad; from simple fun for children aged 5+ to adults and parents, to educational professionals such as teachers, to people who work in the area of mindfulness and wellbeing.

A Jigsee in different languages and a range for people in nursing homes was also suggested going forward and may very well be added to the collection in time.

According to Niamh, Jigsee helps people as follows:

1. To be present

It helps children to have fun and be in the moment. Any tactile activity that requires attention and focus helps us come back to ourselves and be in the present. This can have great benefits for our overall wellbeing.

2. It is unique

There is a bookmark included with suggestions on how to nurture areas of creativity, happiness, encouragement and love in their lives.

3. Lessons learned

Jigsee is a response to insights Niamh has gained and what she thinks is important for young people to hear.

4. Positive thinking in a fun way

It is affirming and can enable connection and conversation around the messages.

5. It is fun.

It is a fun activity for everyone.

6. Screen Free

It is engaging and tactile and reduces screen time.

The mental wellbeing of children and teenagers is close to Niamh’s heart. She said; “I think we have begun to really listen to others and people are bringing the importance of mental health to the fore. 

The rise in awareness of mental health is so important. It helps bring to light ways that will help us flourish, grow and nurture our mind and spirit.

“I think it is important for children and teenagers to know that they matter. It also helps to know that it’s okay not to be okay and to reach out to someone you trust.

“I think listening to one another is powerful. One of the greatest gifts we can give and receive is to listen and be really listened to.”

Niamh acknowledged the help and she received in making Jigsee available to the public.

She said: “I am so thankful to those who have ed me so far on my Jigsee venture. Thanks to AIB Douglas for recently including Jigsee in their fundraising day for the wonderful Rainbow Club Cork. I am also grateful to my Local Enterprise Office for their and mentoring.”

More information about Jigsee can be found online at www.jigsees.com, Instagram and LinkedIn.