Does your child squirm while sitting or have difficulty standing still? Do you believe that your child has become impatient and has difficulty concentrating? Does your child always touch things and needs something in their hands even when watching t.v. or doing homework?

Parents are often worried about their children’s fidgeting and wonder if it is normal behaviour.  Fidgeting and inattention in kids is more common than you think.  

Many kids need constant activity to keep them busy. A bit of fidgeting is common in young children and even in some adults. According to research, fidgeting is a self-regulation mechanism that helps boost or lower attention levels.

Children who fidget excessively may have trouble focusing, with their body requiring constant activity to keep them engaged. They may be likely performing poorly in their tasks because their brain isn’t stimulated enough (or too stimulated), which can affect their memory and comprehension as well.

If you feel that your child doesn’t sit still, switches between activities too quickly, or is highly unfocused, you may benefit from trying sensory hacks that may help your child with these challenges. Please seek assistance from our consultants, or an Occupational Therapist if you have further concerns.

Here are a few simple DIY sensory hacks to help your fidgety kids focus more:

Nuts And Bolts

One way to fashion a fidgeting device is to use nuts and bolts. Children can easily keep them in their pockets and at their desks as well. When they are bored, they can play with this which would keep their hands busy. It’s best to let children know that these ‘nuts and bolts’ need to be packed away after use (especially for younger children). If you want to get really creative, you can create a wooden sensory board including, nuts and bolts, locks, screws, zips etc.

Arts and Crafts

Think of textured materials such as cellophane, velcro, felt, and sequins. You can create a sensory ‘feel’ box with samples of these textures for your child to access and play with. You can also find some great sensory art and craft ideas on www.pinterest.com.au such as coloured rice, sensory bottles, painting with bubble wrap, and sensory bins.

Homemade Fidget Spinner

A simple fidget spinner using ice cream sticks can also be made. It will not create any noise or be distracting for others. Your child can help you create one by painting the ice cream sticks or even drawing/writing on them.

Desk Fidget Tool

You can also make a desk fidget tool. It only requires a craft stick, pipe cleaners, beads, tape and some rubber bands. Cut a pipe cleaner to fit the length of the craft stick. Slide some beads on the pipe cleaner and bend both its ends over the craft stick. Now, fasten the pipe cleaner with the stick using some tape. You can also use rubber bands at both ends to secure it. A bit like an abacas!

This toy can be used to help with fidgeting needs of children as they can slide the beads while they are doing their homework or are in the classroom. Kids can play with it with their non-dominant hand while they are writing. This can help focus their attention and movement needs and is relatively simple to make.

Pull and Stretch Ball

A pull and stretch ball (stress ball) can also be made a range of material. It will help keep your kids’ hands busy. You can create different types of sensory balls such as rice balloons, flour balloons, or Orbeez balls.

Lego

You can also make a fidget top by using Lego. Similarly, pencil toppers can be made using pipe cleaners, pony beads and rubber bands. These will serve as a great tool to provide sensory feedback in a non-distracting way. So, bring out your inner child and get creative!

If you need assistance regarding your child’s sensory issues, you can call Tiny Terrors to discuss individually customised consultations. We provide professional parenting and behaviour support services.

www.tinyterrors.com.au