I’ve never been great at keeping up with trends. I only recently got myself some of those buttery-soft leggings, and I had no clue that bottle flipping was an actual phenomenon until I found myself yelling at my kids to stop before they drenched the kitchen floor for the umpteenth time. And don’t even get me started on the Orbeez craze—I still don’t get it.
Usually, I learn about new trends through social media, where fellow parents vent about how much they can’t stand them. It’s no surprise I first heard of fidget spinners last week, after seeing a few posts from parents, a neighbor’s child twirled one in the backseat on the way to school, and my son insisted he needed one—despite the fact that these spinners have been floating around for a while now.
What Are Fidget Spinners?
For those of you who, like me, are oblivious to what fidget spinners are, here’s the scoop (is that still a thing?). Fidget spinners are not just a passing fad; they’ve been utilized as sensory tools for children on the autism spectrum or those dealing with anxiety, OCD, or ADHD for some time. Much like stress balls, fidget spinners give busy hands (and restless minds) something to occupy themselves with, helping kids concentrate. They do exactly what their name implies—they spin. You hold the disk, let the petals whirl, and find your center.
I can’t quite explain why they work, but they do—trust me.
Adults Are Joining the Trend
And it’s not just kids who are into them. Forbes recently reported that adults are getting in on the action too. Instead of gnawing on your nails or incessantly clicking your pen, you can now use a sleek fidget spinner. However, while child-friendly spinners are priced between $10 and $20, those marketed to adults can run into the hundreds.
Mental health professionals have advocated for similar tools for years. According to Dr. Emily Jenson, the Slinky is one of the oldest fidget toys in existence. Who knew? While fidget spinners and similar gadgets are not a brand-new concept, they have surged in popularity recently. For instance, the Fidget Cube, the crème de la crème of fidget gadgets, was the ninth most funded project on Kickstarter, raking in almost $6.5 million. Forbes even dubbed fidget spinners as this year’s “must-have office toy” for adults.
A Personal Experiment
It seems that fidget spinners have been the best-kept secret—until now. Curious about the hype, I ordered one from Amazon, hoping it might assist my older son with his focus. Although he’s a neurotypical child, he sometimes struggles to concentrate and tends to fidget a lot. Instead of sitting at a desk like his peers, he prefers standing at a table. So, I figured it was worth a shot.
My son was at school when the spinner arrived, so I decided to test it out myself (see what I did there?). I must admit, there’s something oddly captivating about the spinner. It’s just a disk that spins, but I found it unexpectedly soothing. The chaos in my mind quieted a bit, and I felt less anxious overall.
That blissful moment didn’t last long. Since my son got his hands on the fidget spinner, it’s become a source of distraction at home. In just six hours, I’ve mediated 15 squabbles between him and his brother over whose turn it is, and I’ve threatened to confiscate it countless times. He spins it everywhere—at home, during meals, and even in public. While it may help him calm down, it’s also driving me absolutely bonkers.
Frustrations of Parents and Educators
I’m clearly not the only one feeling frustrated. Numerous parents and educators are expressing similar sentiments. The sudden rise in popularity of fidget spinners means many kids are using them as toys, rather than for their intended mental health benefits, potentially causing more distractions in classrooms than they alleviate.
As for whether the fidget spinner actually helps my son concentrate while reading or doing homework, the jury is still out. One thing is sure, though: I need to get my own fidget spinner just to cope with the chaos his has created.
Further Reading
For more insights into the world of home insemination and parenting, check out this blog post or visit Make a Mom for authoritative resources. Also, don’t miss Science Daily for excellent information on fertility and pregnancy.
Summary
Fidget spinners have gained unexpected popularity as tools for focus and anxiety relief, though they are becoming a source of annoyance for many parents due to their distracting nature. While they might help some children concentrate, the trend has led to frustrations in homes and classrooms alike.