One day we were speaking at a conference for children’s ministry leaders about what may be happening inside the child who is constantly moving. We recommended that the ministry leaders consider keeping some fidget toys on hand. We picked up a squishy ball to show as an example. A man in the front row asked if he could hold it for the rest of the breakout session. He explained how it was helping him. He said that he often feels nervous energy and is easily distracted. One of the strategies he had developed to keep himself focused at conferences was to make sure that he sat in the front row so that nothing else in the room distracted him visually. The fidget that morning was helping him calm that nervous energy.
Fidget toys also have been found to reduce stress and anxiety. If your child is reluctant to get involved in activities, you might want to consider making a small fidget toy available for them to keep in their pocket.
Sometimes when children need to receive instructions and carry them out, there is so much activity going on in their brains that they cannot regulate to receive the information let alone assimilate and turn it into actions.
All children can use these helps at one time or another because all children struggle with boredom, stress, or anxiety and many adults do also.
For our more sensory kiddos, it can make the difference between being able to participate well or being so distracted, anxious, full of unbounded energy, that they miss so many wonderful opportunities.
As a parent or as someone who works with children, why not have a supply of fidgets handy to help everyone to be successful.
There are many different kinds of fidgets. Here is a list of a few:
Stress Balls
Fidget Spinner
Fidget Band
Marble Fidgets
Squishies
Slime
Marble Maze
Infinity Cube
Rainbow Fidget Ball
Fidget Slug
Silly Putty
Wikki Stix
Pop It
Pop It Fidget Spinner
Pop It Bracelet
https://www.listchallenges.com/a-fidget-toys-list
https://www.weareteachers.com/fidget-toys/
We posted and asked how fidgets were helping folks in our Champions4Parents Community group on Facebook and were delighted to get these comments:
My personal fidget is gum. Helps when my body is restless and I need to calm before doing something socially that I am excited about. My daughter right now likes to walk around with this toy during ABA. It is fun to watch her using it. https://images.app.goo.gl/7FbRPFYZKvd636Kf7 AL
My fidget ring. It helps my anxiety. EH
My teen daughter has her air pods. While not a “fidget” she needs them with her at all times. Usually has at least one in her ear at all times and music playing most times to ease her anxiety. My son likes a toy car or train of some sorts. Never the same one. Always in hands. I have it in his IEP that he be able to keep his something special with him. He even sleeps with them.
Me: I probably should have one lol to help with anxiety. I think it will be a ring. SK
Our oldest uses various fidgets and sensory items to keep his hands moving almost as a way to recenter. SB
What is your fidget story? Write to us at Champions4Parents@gmail.com
Much Love,
Tom and Julie Meekins
CONNECT WITH US:
We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
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And check out Amy’s websites at
https://amychristinemeekins.com/
https://amystories.wixsite.com/heartrecharge
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