Are your kids fidgety?
Posted August 27, 2015 - 9:31am
My 4th grader is a bit anxious by nature, but not so much she needs professional help. BUT she does a number on her fingernails and cuticles and I think it's just because she's fidgety. I've been looking at "fidget toys" and "fidget jewelry" wondering if that might help her. Wondering if anyone here has any experience with that?
justamom
I used to have a problem with that myself. Make sure she gets exercise & lets off steam. I'm not sure if "fidget toys" work or even what they are. I've never used them. I did eventually have to use anxiety meds & I'm so glad I did. Especially since my job is writing at a computer!
CandyOvercaffed
I think what I really need is something to replace her fingers, since she messes with them all day. I read somewhere that -- years ago, before this was a thing -- some people made sure they always had silly putty with them. Them would manipulate that while paying attention in class. I'm pretty sure that would not be allowed in a fourth grade class, though.
jonbonjovious
My youngest is fidgety. He's in fourth grade and this has been our struggle since forever. We had a one on one with the teacher and let them know our feelings. Most say he's not disruptive or they hadn't noticed. His teacher last year was a hugger and when he'd start to fidget, she'd just casually give him a hug. I think it only becomes an issue if they aren't doing well in school, or disrupting the class.
CandyOvercaffed
She's ok -- gets good grades, doesn't get in trouble -- but her fingers and cuticles are a mess. I think I'm really trying to stop that habit, but I know she has the habit for a reason.
jonbonjovious
Is she a girly girl. My oldest daughter had self-control if I promised her a manicure at a salon and a mommy/daughter outing. It didn't happen overnight, but slowly, she figured it out.
CandyOvercaffed
We did try that as an incentive once but she ended up not really caring about a manicure. :(
Frugal Minded M...
My middle child who is a very good student bites her nails. I think it's an outlet for stress. She could have worse habits so I don't worry about it too much.
sunnykathleen
As a teacher who has dealt with this issue I highly recommend www.therapyshoppe.com. It has lots of squishy items, small handheld stress relievers, bouncy balls to sit on for homework, just a huge assortment of items that help with stress, fidgeting and anxiety!
CandyOvercaffed
Good to know! I discoverd that site via Google and was wondering about it.