It's back to school time in Tennessee! For all of you readers who have fidgety kids, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to get your kiddo to stay seated long enough to pay attention.
Our son has ADHD, Dyslexia, and SPD. Through Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, we learned a few things along the way to help him manage his wiggles. Don't get me wrong, the kid did most of the work, but we had to give him the tools he needed.
In public school, trying not to disturb the other kids learning is important. It's also very hard for the ones who have a difficult time being still or quiet. When your body wants to move and it's not the right time or place to do so, it can create a challenge. Getting that helpful toolbox out can make such a difference.
I look back now and see how much these small things really helped Logan. Bless his heart, we both shed tears early on as we all found ways to make a difference for him.
I have compiled a small list of things that really helped us along the way. Simply click on the pink words and follow the attached link.
My absolute favorite was just a simple Resistance Band around the front legs of the chair your child will sit in. (Refer back to the yellow band around the chair legs in the images above or click to follow the link.) This allows your child to fidget with their legs. It helps to tire them out a little bit so they can focus more on listening.
(As Logans OT explained it to us, his body is moving faster than his brain can. Therefore this allows his body to slow down so he can focus a little more.)
The next favorite is a Lap Weight. This does something similar to the resistance bands. The pressure helps slow your child down as well and makes a difference for those sensory issues. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can make one as well. Even something as simple as a vest, sock, or large zip lock baggie can do the trick with some rice for added weight.
We had a fishing vest and put rice in the pockets for use at home. It helps tremendously!
The Pencil Fidgets are helpful because they keep the hands busy. I even loved them for myself! Especially when I am nervous, I like to have something in my hand. It gives me something else to focus on rather than the anxiety that I have in that moment.
If you have an older child who likes to chew on things, the Chewable Pencil Toppers are fantastic. Be mindful, because these can ultimately be chewed through. They do have more things like the pencil toppers that are for heavy chewing, but I would keep a watch on younger children just to be safe.
These things have made a difference in our lives and hopefully they can help some of you or set you in the right direction. Keep in mind that there are similar items that you can get that may help your child, these are just a few that we liked. :)
I hope you and your kiddos have a wonderful school year!
I do not receive a commision off of these products linked above. These are simply items that helped us and I wanted to share them with you all.
