Only the cleverest readers can work out the boy's real mum in 7 seconds in this brainteaser

Daily Record

23-05-2025

Test your brain with this tricky teaser.
In this world of fitness influencers and smartwatches, we are never far away from finding out how we can improve our physical health - though it's often far easier said than done.
But what about our cognitive health? Well, there are certain things we can do to keep our minds sharp - and one of them is brainteasers.
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These tricky puzzles challenge us to think outside the box and try to see beyond the surface of certain images. They can help us improve our perception and keep our brain health ticking over.
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While some of the puzzles ask you to find the odd one out in a group of similar items, or find hidden objects in a wider picture, others test your ability to analyse an image.
And this brainteaser from Brightside, as shared by our sister title The Mirror, falls into the latter category. You have a picture of two women sitting and looking at each other while a young boy plays on the ground.
You are tasked with working out which woman is the boy's mother. And, to make it even harder, you are challenged to do it within just seven seconds.
Think you're up to the task. Then scroll down to see the image and give it a try.
On first viewing, you may not think there is too much to give away the answer and that nothing jumps out immediately.
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But there are subtle cues that can lead you to the correct answer and finding out the true mother.
Do you think you've cracked it? If not, don't scroll down too far (even if it's been more than seven seconds) because we're about to give away the answer.
Answer below
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The boy's mother is the woman sitting on the left-hand side of the image. And there are a few different clues that can help viewers get the right answer.
Her hair colour matches the boy's, that's probably the biggest giveaway. Also, the young lad is facing her as he plays with his toys, suggesting he feels most comfortable with her.
Similarly, the mum is leaning forward in her chair towards her son, which reflects a mother's natural instinct to protect her child. Meanwhile, the other woman is sitting back, more relaxed, in her chair.
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If you enjoyed this brainteaser, then we have some more for you to try. This football-inspired puzzle challenges you to spot the five hidden match tickets in the crowd.
And if football is your thing, then we've got another. Can you find the odd ball out in this image in under 20 seconds?
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On average fans can spot all five tickets in 59 seconds. And anyone who can spot the five tickets hidden within the image in less than 60 seconds, is thought to have 20/20 vision. Can you?
We also found a TikToker who has posted three different brainteasers - surely that's enough to satisfy your puzzling needs for today!
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