Fidgeting is a common behaviour, and it can indicate a number of potential emotions. People might fidget because they’re bored, tired, or anxious. Children can fidget, too, and parents often aim to find a way to prevent it. Many people find fidget toys to be helpful in reducing fidgeting, and both children and adults can use them. Today we’re looking at everything you need to know about fidget toys.
Key Points
- Generally speaking, a fidget toy is a small object that is used to increase focus and decrease stress and anxiety in adults and children
- All children can use fidget toys, but they may heavily benefit children with ADD, ADHD, and autism
- A fidget spinner is the most popular type of fidget toy, but there are many other types
- Some medical professionals consider fidget toys to be a form of therapy
- Ultimately, it is up to parents to decide if they want to let their children use fidget toys or not
Content in this article:
- What Is A Fidget Toy?
- How Can Fidget Toys Benefit Children?
- What Are Some Different Types Of Fidget Toys?
- Are Fidget Toys Considered A Form Of Therapy?
- Should You Let Your Children Use Fidget Toys?
- Conclusion
What Is A Fidget Toy?
A fidget toy is a toy designed specially to help people focus their attention on one thing rather than whatever is causing them to fidget. For example, some people fidget more when they’re stressed. A fidget toy can help your child focus on the toy rather than the stressor, such as an upcoming test or sports game.
Fidget toys are regarded as an ideal sensory output device, which can help with improving concentration and reducing boredom and even anxiety. Fidget toys come in all shapes and sizes, from cubes to stress balls, spinners, and more. They are also made for different age ranges, so you can find a toy no matter how young your child is.
One of the most popular fidget toys is the fidget spinner, which is a triangular-shaped toy that spins on a ball bearing. The lobes are easy to spin with one hand and can move incredibly quickly, so keeping your attention on just the fidget spinner is easy.
How Can Fidget Toys Benefit Children?
Yes, fidget toys can be incredibly beneficial for children, especially for those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Directing their attention to the fidget toy gives them a physical outlet for their energy, allowing them to focus on something other than what’s troubling them. This is a great benefit as many children don’t always understand big emotions like anxiety and stress. A fidget toy can direct their attention away from the problem.
Fidget toys can also help children ‘filter out’ excess sensory information, which might distract them from school work or learning.
Some parents even find that fidget toys help their children self-regulate their emotions, giving them a way to stay focused on something while working out their emotions. This can make them feel more confident and independent, helping to set them up for success.
What Are Some Different Types Of Fidget Toys?
We have detailed some of the most popular types of fidget toys and their benefits below:
- Fidget Spinners – Fidget spinners are one of the most popular kinds of fidget toys, designed with a ball bearing at the centre and three lobes that you can spin with one hand. They’re made from either plastic or metal and can spin super quickly. Fidget spinners are designed to help with focus, stress relief, and boredom
- Fidget Cubes – Fidget cubes are small cubes with several buttons and switches on each side. These cubes are designed to provide tactile stimulation and help with focus and stress relief
- Fidget Bands – Fidget bands are stretchy bands with beads and other objects that can be manipulated and moved around. Fidget bands are most often placed on a child’s classroom chair to help with concentration while at school
- Fidget Stretchers – Similar to fidget bands, fidget stretchers sometimes have knots or other objects on them that can be manipulated and moved around. Small and compact, fidget bands are often used at school to help with focus, stress relief, and passing time
- Fidget Rings – Fidget rings are discreet and meant to be worn on a person’s finger. Often designed with several beads and other objects, fidget rings can be manipulated as needed throughout the day
Are Fidget Toys Considered A Form Of Therapy?
Fidget toys have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they have been used to help people with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and trouble focusing. They offer tactile stimulation that can help both mental and emotional balance, and some medical professionals do recommend them as therapeutic tools. They might not be a traditional form of therapy, but they can aid a therapy session by helping the user focus on the subject at hand.
Fidget toys might give your child an outlet to focus their energy and attention on rather than something else. A fidget toy can reduce stress, improve concentration, and help your child find it easier to focus on certain things.
You can introduce a fidget toy to your child’s toy box without a recommendation from a doctor. However, you should consult a medical professional if you’re concerned about the reason you’re choosing a fidget toy for them. A lack of concentration is often nothing to worry about, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Should You Let Your Children Use Fidget Toys?
A fidget spinner, fidget cube, stress ball, or any kind of fidget toy may be the solution you’re looking for if your child often feels anxious or has trouble concentrating. While helping your child to stay focused and engaged during class or other activities, fidget toys are a popular way to eliminate external distractions.
Ultimately, the choice of letting your child use a fidget toy is completely up to you and any professional medical advice you may have consulted. With the right guidance and support, fidget toys can be the tool you are looking for to help your child find schoolwork easier to focus on.
Final Thoughts On Fidget Toys
There are plenty of benefits to giving your child a fidget toy. They can improve concentration and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and help children regulate their emotions. Fidget toys come in all shapes and sizes, such as fidget spinners, fidget cubes, and stress balls. Some medical professionals consider them a valuable tool to use during therapy.