Understanding the 'Science' Behind Fidget Toys

Fidget toys are small objects used for purposeful and pleasurable activities in which people use their hands. These toys come in a selection of shapes, sizes and textures and depending on the type you choose, some of them can vibrate and even glow. Quite often, they are used by children in particular as they are perfect for keeping them busy for hours while reducing any negative and anxious feelings. Knowing this, it isn't strange that these toys seem the perfect option for children who have trouble sleeping, for those suffering from anxiety and for autistic children.

source: mommyhoodlife.com

How Many Types Are There?

Nowadays, it's more than easy to find fidget toys online, you just need to consider all options and choose the right ones for your child. The interesting and attention-keeping fidget toys online and offline offers are huge, but the idea is to choose ones that will best meet your child's needs.

Squishy

Well, these are among the most favoured types of toys from the category. They are favoured by both children and adults because it isn't only satisfying when squeezing them, but it also seems to benefit our brain and overall well-being. These toys seem to provide calming effects while improving fine motor skills which makes them perfect for those children who have concentration and sensory problems.

Spinning

Spinning toys like spinners seem to be quite effective and helpful with kids who have trouble focusing on things. Quite often, children find the moving parts and the sound or the spinner's weight perfect for helping them improve their focus and eye coordination. However, some kids and even adults find it quite distracting, so make sure that your child has shown interest in toys of the kind in order to be sure that you'll make the right choice.

Additionally, if your child wants a spinner and plans on taking it to school, be sure to check the school regulations and see whether they are permitted or not.

Tactile

Tactile fidget toys like sensory sand, pop-beads, play foam, Velcro strips, and rubbery squeeze toys with pointy and scratchy surfaces might be perfect for those children who love the idea of touching different textures. For those of you who have a child with ADHD, make sure to be sure that he/she loves touching toys with such textures. Otherwise, you risk causing a bigger problem in his/her behavior which can be hard to manage.

Resistance

Resistance fidgets like stress balls, erasers, corks, magnetic balls and discs are some of the toys that allow for being pushed, pulled and even squeezed which can be quite satisfactory for many people if not all. The choice of such toys is huge, so make sure to go over them and pick the right one for your child.

How Children Can Benefit from Them?

source: mentalhealthcenterkids.com

No Time for Feeling Bored

These toys are the perfect way to spend their free time instead of sitting in front of the TV or playing on the phone. Since they can provide fun for hours, keeping children occupied and active, they seem like the perfect option for alleviating boredom.

Increased Focus

As you already know by now, these toys seem perfect in improving focus and attention which is something that a lot of today's kids lack. Being funny and interesting will keep their hands and minds occupied, which will lead to improving their focus and concentration.

Reduced Anxiety

These toys also seem great in reducing anxiety and stress because they allow one to use strength and energy in order to play with them. That way children can get rid of the bad energy, putting it on them which can result in having a calmer mind.

Improved Relaxation

Given the fact that these toys improve focus and reduce stress and anxiety, it goes without saying that they will also promote a sense of relaxation.

Things to Consider When Choosing Them

When in the search to find the right types for you or your child, you should take into account their material and size. The material matters a lot to be sure that the chosen toy/s will last for a longer time. The size, on the other hand, matters because you or your child has to be able to hold it in your hands.

If possible, choose toys that don't produce any unwanted and annoying sound as this can act distracting. Additionally, it would be great if you choose toys of this kind that promote some kind of sensory input like a textured surface or vibrant color.

If you are looking for fidgets for children who have trouble concentrating, then you should certainly stay away from those that aren't stimulating or visually distracting. In case you are looking for one that will assist with regulations, then you should certainly look for one like puzzle ball or gel visual fidgets as they seem perfect in helping you with this.