Fidgeting is a serious problem with kids. Every child fidgets as a means to release their energy in any way. It is their body’s way to calm itself down. Fidgeting is also caused by attention deficiency syndrome. Fidgeting kids have poor concentration. There are certain easy hacks to stop your child from fidgeting.
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Stress balls are the best way to prevent continuous fidgeting. Fidget spinners are becoming extremely popular as they prevent fidgeting. Letting your child be active is another way to control the fidgeting. A nutrient rich breakfast also works to control the fidgeting. Also magnesium supplements can work. Keep reading to find more about how to stop your child from fidgeting.
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The following are some easy tips to stop fidgeting:
11 Easy Tips to Stop Your Child from Fidgeting
Stress balls
Stress balls or squeeze balls are very effective. These squishy balls can distract your child from fidgeting. Children tend to constantly move their hands or legs as a sign of restlessness. This restless energy comes out in the form of constant movement of body parts. It can be a real challenge to settle your fidgeting kid. But stress balls work like magi! Give one to your child whenever he starts to fidget. He will be completely focused on squeezing the ball.
Fidget toys
There are a lot of toys in the market to stop fidgeting. Toys like ‘fidget spinners’ are really helpful to control fidgeting habits in children and adults. These toys help your child to release the energy that causes all the fidgeting. Fidget spinners are efficient tools to curb fidgeting in children. They are also affordable and easy to use. Grab one immediately to control your fidgety kid!
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Movement
Lack of any movement usually causes fidgeting in kids. Children are used to sitting at a place for hours in school. This lack of motion stores up energy in the body. The need to release this energy results in continuous fidgeting. The best way to control the fidgeting in your kid is to let him move. Make him go to the park to play. Let him play and run around at home too. The more he is in motion, the less he will fidget. Parents need to be aware that making a child sit still will make him fidget even more. Let your child move and see how he stops fidgeting!
Sufficient sleep
Often lack of sleep can make a child restless. This restlessness is expressed through constant fidgeting. If your child does not get enough sleep, he might fidget more. Being tired will make him more fidgety. He will need to release all the nervous energy in some way. Chalk out the sleeping pattern for your kid. At least 10-12 hours of sleep is considered sufficient for children below 12 years. Ensure that your child goes to sleep at the right time every night. Curb his playing and watching T.V at night. These activities will make his mind overactive and chase away sleep.
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Proper diet
Eating healthy can also help in controlling fidgeting habit. Lack of minerals and nutrients can make a child hyperactive. Research says that lack of nutrients also caused attention deficiency disease in kids. Lots of carbohydrates, good fats and protein are necessary to keep their energy level stable. Avoid giving junk foods and foods with refined sugar to your kids. Excessive sugar consumption can also make your child fidgety. Make your child eat a healthy nutrient rich diet. This will stop all his fidgeting tendencies.
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Exercise
Regular exercise is a simple way to stop your kid from fidgeting. Even a light exercise for half an hour everyday can stop the fidgeting. It will keep them active and also introduce a routine in their daily life. Make sure to make your child do some exercise every day. It will ensure a healthy mind and body.
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Magnesium
Magnesium can relax the muscles and calm the nerves. A fidgeting child has hyperactive nervous system. He is continuously in a restless state. Magnesium can help a lot in stopping the restlessness. It can calm your child’s nerves and relax his muscles. Include magnesium rich foods like leafy greens, beans, whole grains in his regular diet. Magnesium supplements are also available. But always consult a doctor before giving your child any kind of supplement.
Boredom box
Make a box containing all your child’s favorite things. It can be playthings, art supplies, toys and such. This is a box of activity that can distract your child completely. Fidgeting usually happens in children when they are bored. Whenever you see your kid fidgeting, give him the box. Make him sit in a quiet corner and play with the things in the box. Keep changing the items in the box to hold his interest.
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Pencil sharpening
A simple activity like pencil sharpening can be very effective for fidgety children. A child who is constantly fidgeting needs to be a task to focus on. He needs to focus his attention on something. Only then will he get distracted from fidgeting. Sharpening a pencil will focus his mind. He will spend his energy on that task and immediately stop fidgeting.
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Music
It is surprising how music can actually calm a child. Music soothes the nerves. It is usually common in adults to turn to music to help calm them. But children can also gain from listening to music. Introduce your child to music. See what kind of music he prefers. Listening to music can actually stop his fidgeting. His mind will be too focused on listening. He will use all his energy on listening to do anything else. It can be a very effective method to stop him from fidgeting.
Meditation
Deep breathing and meditation can be very useful tools. If your child is old enough, teach him how to meditate. Even simple deep breathing exercise can work wonders. Taking deep breaths can calm the body and mind. It provides immediate relaxation of the nerves. A child who is very fidgety can gain a lot from doing these simple things. This is a form of self regulating the body. Tell your child to take deep breaths whenever he gets fidgety. Show him how to do it properly. This can go a long way in helping your child control the nervous habit of fidgeting.
Conclusion
Fidgeting is very common in children. Fidgeting occurs because of various reasons. This habit can be stopped by following a few easy tips. However if your child still persists in fidgeting, he might have ADHD. This is known as attention deficit disorder. It is nervous disorder and needs proper treatment. Consult your doctor immediately.
Reference
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