Fidget tools - the why, the way and the where!

Fidget tool or toy?

I used to be the first to ask this question but I have to confess that my thinking around "fidget tools and toys"  has changed!

It used to irk me so much when mainstream "fidget" toys became available and were "played" with by every child in a school as the lastest trend.  You  know the ones... fidget spinners, fidget cubes, pop it toys... every child needed to have one and "fidget" all the time. 

No! Internal and external crying out... not because fidgets have become mainstream (that is actually wonderful) but didn't people realise that fidgets are supposed to be tools for concentration. Discreet? Quiet? Unseen? Kept in a pocket?  Not distract from other people or from the task at hand? 

I was recently asked by a friend's daughter for some background information about fidget toys and it was only then that I realised that my thinking around fidgets has evolved. 

Traditionally fidget tools have been used to help children with concentration in the classroom.  A fidget was a way for tactile seekers to receive some input whilst still concentrating in class. They were manipulated by a child's hands and were those things I described earlier (discreet, quiet, unseen kept in a pocket or lap, not distracting).  You may have seen lots of "fidget rules"  posters that describe this use of fidgets in the classroom. 

However, as you can see from the image above... I think there is value in those items that I would have previously classed as "toys".  Instead of being used for concentrating on tasks (such as classroom and homework tasks), these fidget tools may be used to help with regulation.  These fidget tools may help a child to become more alert or to help them with calming down. 

​This is the place where fidgets may not only provide tactile sensory input but may also provide auditory and visual input.  These fidgets may CONSUME the child and they may NOT be able to concentrate on other things. The fidget tools may actually provide a distraction from other things going on around them. 

Children may use these type of fidget tools in a calm down space. whilst in a waiting room, whilst on public transport or whilst attending a medical appointment.  Can you think of other places your child might use these fidget tools? 

What if the fidget tool is not enough?

A fidget tool is rarely enough.

The caution with fidget tools (rather than toys) is that they should be used as part of a bigger picture in addressing a child's needs (whether that be concentration or regulation). 

Perhaps the child needs movement or deep pressure at other times of the day?
Perhaps the child needs an awareness of routines and expectations?
Perhaps the child needs a timer to help with transitions?
Perhaps the child needs help with anxiety?
Perhaps the child needs co-regulation with a trusted adult?
Perhaps the child needs oral input with something to chew?
Perhaps the child needs deep breathing or mindfulness activities?

And the list could go on...

Children who are not using fidget tools for concentration and regulation ... are really "playing".  They become fidget TOYS. There is nothing wrong with "playing"! If you have followed me for any length of time, you will know that I highly value play.  

Fidget tools are not "fix alls". 
Fidget tools can help with concentration and regulation.
Fidget tools can be used as part of a holistic approach to intervention.

What is your mindset on fidget tools and toys? Have I challenged your thinking?  Do you agree?

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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