Not a few months back, fidget spinners were all the rage. Almost every other kid had it. While this trendy toy gained a lot of negative attention at the end, they have created a void for sensory hacks for fidgety kids.
Sensory Hacks for Fidgety Kids
Kids fidget a lot. They can’t sit still. While in most kids, it doesn’t interfere with the learning process, for some kids this fidgeting distracts them from the world.
They are touching you constantly, or love fiddling with the blinds. Their hands are never still. If you think I am describing your kid right now, you might be interested in the following sensory hacks for fidgety kids:
Add bling to your fidgety kid’s toy
Try beads, a different texture of clothing, clips etc. When you want them to sit down and listen, offer them the toy to play with.
Let them move
Take them outdoors often. A walk or a trip to the park. Yoga outdoors can also be very effective in calming your fidgety kid. One reason kids fidget a lot because they have all this energy that they can’t use.
Set limits
Once you have offered them all these sensory hacks, it’s time to set limit. Expect them to follow these limits.
Offer them something to play with when you go outside
It will keep them from touching and tugging every other thing they see outside. Read below on the sensory activities to use as outdoor sensory hacks for fidgety kids.
Sensory activities for fidgety kids
One way to get fidgety kids to help sit down and calm down is by allowing them activities or materials to help them concentrate on one thing. Here are some interesting sensory hacks for fidgety kids to help them and to help you too:
Natural Homemade Gluten-Free Playdoh
In this link, you will see how Rebecca from Strength and Sunshine shares her natural homemade gluten-free playdoh recipe.
I have rarely seen a child not excited with play-doh. Play-doh is nostalgic for me. As a child, I remember how opening up a box of play-doh brought so much joy. Even now when I see Play-doh lying around, I just have to make something. That’s why it’s always a win for fidgety kids.
Slime without borax
My kids love slime. Emilie from the Finding Zest blog shows us how to make slime without having to use borax. Emilie simply replaces borax with liquid starch in her three-ingredient recipe. She uses bright acrylic colors which make this slime beautiful to look at. And I’m sure playing it would be even more fun. Let your kids create and play with slime without having to worry about using borax.
Bath Fizzies
If getting your fidgety kid to take a bath is challenging for you, try making these bath fizzies. They would love the bath bombs opening up in the water. Let me discover the small surprises in their fizzies. You can customize your fizzie according to your kid’s preference. Kristie also recommends adding essential oils to help calm your fidgety kid, especially before bedtime.
I spy bottle
With fidgety kids, they always have to do something. Touch things, press buttons. Basically, explore something. Let this I spy bottle from Gena of the Ginger Casa blog be the ultimate sensory experiences for fidgety kids.
DIY Water Globe
You can make this DIY Water Globe by California Unpublished together with your fidgety child. They would love exploring the hearts and star glitter used in making the bottles. Give it to them when going out in a highly stimulating environment. The globe will mesmerize them enough to sit in one place and observe the glitter moving around.
Benefits of Jumping
Let them jump! That’s what Jennifer from Mommy Evolution recommends. Jumping allows your child to use all their energy in a positive way, and at the same time feel energized and happy. Get a mini trampoline or a buso ball. Buso balls are perfect for the indoors.
Edible Water Beads
Which kid hasn’t asked for a tub full of water beads after watching an online video of kids enjoying the same? But water beads or Orbeez aren’t recommended for young kids. Especially for those who have a habit of putting everything in their mouths. These water beads swell in water and could potentially block a food passage if swallowed.
To make it safer, try out these edible water beads by Step momming. They are fun and easy to make. And again don’t forget to involve your fidgety kids in the process.
Falling Leaves Sensory Bottle
Here’s another sensory bottle you can make with your kids during the fall season. Also known as calm down bottles, sensory bottles help your kid calm down when they turn hyper. Get your fidgety kids to count the leaves in the bottle or ask what shades of colors they see in the leaves.
I hope that you find these tips helpful as you get a routine established! All children are different, and you’ll likely have some trial and error as you go.
As always, if you have concerns about your child’s development and would like to set up a free consultation to discuss your concerns, please reach out! I would love to help you determine your child’s individual needs. We are here to support you as you help your child blossom!
What are your sensory hacks for fidgety kids? Have you tried any of these tips? If so, please join us in our FREE Facebook community and share!
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