OT Newsletter
May
Fidgeting
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Fidgeting
Do you ever find that your kids are constantly fiddling and squirming, tapping, and touching things? You may wonder why it’s so hard for them to be relaxed and not move all the time. Fidgeting is a way to deal with feeling restless or bored. Kids who fidget a lot usually don't do it on purpose. Fidgeting might help them stay focused when they’re not interested, like during a long lesson or assembly. Or it can help kids deal with other distractions so they can focus on something they are interested in. Many common causes include boredom, anxiety, stress, hyperactivity, and attention problems. One study suggests that it’s the body’s way of trying to stay focused. Another suggests it’s just a sign of a wandering mind. Fidgeting doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. But it can create problems if it bothers other people. In this newsletter, we will explore fidgeting, what you can do, check out different types of fidgets and maybe make your own!
Hope you enjoy! The Dunkirk OT Departmet
What is fidgeting?
Fidgeting involves small movements, not large ones. Here are some of the behaviors you might see:
Fidgeting involves small movements, not large ones. Here are some of the behaviors you might see:
Bouncing legs
Tapping toes
Clicking pens
Jingling coins or keys
Playing with small objects
Playing with hair or fingers
Fiddling with jewelry
Blinking a lot
Doodling
It’s not the same as needing to move around, although some kids who fidget may also need to move around.
Quick Tip
Kids don’t just fidget for no reason. They do it because it helps them stay calm. Unless they’re hurting themselves or others, it’s OK to let them keep doing it for as long as they feel the need to move.
Solutions for Fidgeting During Homework
Do jumping jacks as you spell words with your child, toss a ball as you practice math facts, or do a quick jog around the house between math papers.
Forget the dining room table
Do homework on a bean bag or a pile of pillows using a clipboard. Kids with sensory needs often times, crave proprioceptive input and an upright chair can be overly distracting, especially after sitting in a desk at school.
Foot fidget
Tie a bungee cord around the chair's legs so that your child can kick and stretch their feet. Or try a stretchy exercise band.
Chewy snack at homework time
This might include gum, raisins, celery, carrots, fruit leather or fruit roll-ups, or licorice sticks. You could also try therapy rubber tubing.
Drinking through a straw
Another snack idea is a thick smoothie in a straw. Try one of these recipes, with added ice for a thicker smoothie. Drink water from a "squeeze bottle" or sports bottle.
Chair push-ups
Show the child how to push up from their chair, by placing their hands on the seat alongside each leg. Slowly, they should push their upper body up and off the chair. Do a set of 10 chair push-ups before returning to homework tasks.
Roll a tennis ball under their foot
They can roll the ball back and forth under their feet as they work.
Use a fidget tool
Provide a small bit of play dough, squeeze balls, wrap Wikki Sticks around a pencil, pipe cleaners wrapped in a loose ball, a small bouncy ball and a cup, rubber bands on a ruler, a strand of paper clips, pop beads, bubble wrap, paper binder clip
Quick Tip
Sometimes kids fidget in ways that are harmful, like chewing their fingernails down to the quick. Work to find a behavior that still helps kids release their energy in the same way — but that doesn’t hurt them.
When to use your fidget tools
Have your child take out their fidget when they need to focus on something to help you calm down, such as after having an anxious thought or getting into a disagreement with a sibling.
Use their fidget to help them focus while studying or listening to a book being read to them.
Have their fidget during times they need to increase alertness, such as when they feel bored.
However, don’t let it become a distraction to themself or others.
Quick Tip
Sometimes kids need a fidget in order to stop fidgeting. Items like squeeze balls, Silly Putty, rubber bands, and even gum, are tools that can provide the movement and sensation kids need without bothering other people.
Make your own Fidget Tool
Quick Tip
Kids who fidget may need an outlet for restless energy. Give them short breaks from what they’re doing to move around. It can reduce stress and frustration, as well as improve focus when they come back to what they were doing.
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