Kids these days have a totally different experience than previous generations. Technology is readily available from very early ages and that in turn has skyrocketed the obsession with having constant stimulus. We’ve filled our house, backpacks, and bedrooms with fidgets for kids to curb the stimuli addiction.
I’m not a doctor or medical professional of any kind, but it sure seems like ADHD has skyrocketed as technology has taken over our lives. Fidgets for kids feel like a band-aid in some ways, but at least it gives our technology addicted youth an outlet for their stimulation needs.
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Why Fidgets?
Fidgets for kids are more than just playthings. They’re effective self-regulation tools that help meet sensory needs. They provide key sensory input that can assist children with concentrating, calming anxieties, and maintaining focus. Hidden beneath their fun exteriors, fidgets contribute to satisfying the proprioceptive input and tactile input required for sensory processing.
Engagement with fidgets can be a great stress reliever. Whether it’s squeezing a stress ball or twisting a malleable toy, these actions can allow for a non-disruptive means of managing emotions. Understanding has grown about the importance of these tools, not only are they known to help people of all ages, but they’re especially valuable in helping children who might otherwise be unfairly reprimanded for anxious behavior.
In the past, signs of anxiety may have been dismissed or punished, but today’s approach is far more compassionate and informed. Using fidgets can empower children to learn self-soothing techniques, providing a positive outlet for their energy. This shift in understanding and the use of fidgets can lead to significant improvement in a child’s ability to engage in learning and interactive activities, rather than retracting into themselves due to overwhelming emotions.
Types of Fidgets for Kids
When choosing fidgets for kids, it’s important to consider the sensory benefits and the potential for improving concentration. Fidgets can take many forms, all of which cater to different needs and preferences.
Silent Fidget Toys
Consider silent fidgets like the Push Bubble Pop Fidget Toy, a simple yet engaging toy where you press bubbles down, then flip it over to start again. There’s also the Marble Fidget, a small tube with a marble inside to push back and forth without making a sound.
Squishy and Stretchy
Squishy sensory toys such as the Squishy Fidget Toy or the Stretch Banana allow your child to manipulate and knead the object, providing a satisfactory tactile experience.
Sensory Balls and Rings
For a variety of textures, the Spiky Silicone Pom Pom Balls and Dinosaur Balls can be a delight. Fidget rings and Unicorn Sensory Fidgets are wearable and provide discreet comfort throughout the day.
List of Favorites:
- Fidget Spinners: Ideal for keeping hands busy and enhancing focus.
- Stress Balls: Perfect for squeezing away anxiety.
- Bouncy Bands: Attach to desks or chairs for quiet, repetitive leg motions.
- Sensory Fidget Toys: Designed with multiple sensory elements like varied textures.
Our Families 3 Favorite Fidgets:
Your choice in fidgets for kids, whether for school or home, can positively affect their ability to learn and manage emotions. By recognizing the value these tools can offer, you’re helping your child navigate through anxiety and maintain engagement with their activities.
Choosing the Right Fidget
When selecting fidgets for kids, it’s important to consider the particular needs of the child. Fidgets can be a game-changer for improving fine motor skills, especially in kids with special needs, such as those on the autism spectrum or those with ADHD who require focus aid.
Key Features to Look For
- Quiet & Unobtrusive: The best fidgets are those you can use without distracting others. You’ll want something silent or nearly silent, that won’t draw attention in settings like classrooms or sensory rooms.
- Tactile Input: Items offering varied tactile experiences can provide excellent sensory integration. Textured tangles or smooth koosh balls cater to tactile play without overwhelming the senses.
Recommendations from Professionals
Occupational therapists often suggest specific fidgets for early intervention. They ensure the fidgets serve as helpful tools for sensory integration therapy, vital to sensory development and managing anxiety.
Practicality in School
In a school setting, fidgets can be both a tool for calm and a means to engage. Ensure your choice is easily portable and can be tucked away when not in use. Students should learn the discipline of using fidgets responsibly, so they aid rather than hinder learning.
Utilizing fidgets for kids properly can significantly decrease anxiety. A shift from punishment to empowerment allows children to actively shape their experiences and remain present in learning.
Making Fidgets Part of Everyday Life
Introducing fidgets for kids into daily routines can significantly enhance their ability to self-regulate. Fidgets serve as practical self-regulation tools that can help children with sensory processing needs by providing tactile input. When used consistently, they contribute to a child’s sensory stimulation and awareness.
For neurodivergent children, fidgets can be a cornerstone for a satisfying sensory experience. Encourage your child to utilize fidgets during homework or while sitting still to improve their child focus. They can also be used to create a sensory cave or sensory gym at home, offering a safe space for sensory exploration.
Remember, it’s not just young ones who benefit, older kids also find fidgets useful. Simple items like Wikki Stix can offer a discreet way to engage hands and minds during more demanding tasks. This is especially true for kids who might experience an onset of anxiety, as the tactile nature of fidgets can help redirect and manage their emotions.
By incorporating fidgets into your child’s daily life, you’re providing them with the means to better handle their anxiety. Where anxiety might have been met with reprimands in the past, today we understand the importance of addressing it. With fidgets, children learn to calm their emotions, focusing on being present and engaged, thus enhancing their learning and participation in life.
Also read:
- Transform Your Kid’s Day With 8 Time Management Activities
- Empower Your Kid to Become an Effective Leader
- Instilling Logic and Love into Family Dynamics
Transforming Anxiety into Focus
Fidgets for kids have evolved into a versatile tool, meeting the diverse sensory needs of children. They come in different configurations, offering new ways to focus and self-regulate.
You’ll find options like kneadable erasers and bracelet pops that double as fashionable accessories while serving a practical purpose. Chewable toys and keychain fidgets provide immediate tactile feedback, perfect for those moments when the need to fidget strikes. Small toys that fit into a pocket or attach to a backpack ensure that relief is always within reach.
Pairing fidgets with special diets or strategies like ABA & VB can enhance their effectiveness. Remember, using a fidget is not about giving in to hyperactivity disorder, it’s about embracing a method that can improve focus and engagement. So, embrace fidgets’ potential to transform anxiety into attention and help your child stay present in their learning journey.
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