The precursor to the modern-day fidget toy were
Baoding balls created in Ming dynasty China (1368-1644). Two metal balls, small
enough to fit in one hand, could be rotated repeatedly to reduce stress. The
constant motion of the smooth balls was soothing and put the user in a
meditative mindset.
Today that idea has been converted into Cobot which can also serve as a fidget toy. Fidget toys provide an easy and accessible way to help self-regulate or concentrate by providing auditory, visual and tactile input.
It is painted in subtle colour tone and therefore not visually distracting.
1) Across all ages: Fidgets are helpful across all ages, whether it’s during school-based tasks, waiting for appointments or day-to-day regulation needs. Adults while doing creative work or preparing sheets on computer take a break to increase the ability to focus. They can stand, walk for some time, consume beverages, chew gum or the better option is to fidget on a fidget toy. By engaging in twisting and turning an adult can increase the ability to focus and attend to a task.
When visiting a dentist who is going to do a painful tooth extraction, fidget rather then get tensed.
2) Increased Focus and Concentration: Fidgeting can be default behaviour that is best dealt with by focused redirection. Research has shown that when kids control or direct their movements when stressed or anxious, they can improve focus and concentration. Cobot provide physical outlet for excess energy and can help redirect restless behavior. The tactile engagement with fidget toys can provide a calming effect, enabling children to concentrate more effectively.
Twisting and turning the parts can help children focus their attention and energy into a calming fidget toy as a way to help relax, regulate and ground their bodies and mind.
3) Beneficial for ADHD: They are especially beneficial for individuals with diagnosis such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These toys help build coping skills for such individuals as they often impact sustained attention, sensory processing or regulation skills. Anxiety, stress, ADHD and learning disorders affect the hands and fingers. Heightened anxiety in a child can result in restlessness, shaking and even cramping in the hands and fingers. Fidgeting can help calm the child. Cobot can give children a way of keeping their hands busy. The repeated and rhythmic movements associated with fidgeting can have a soothing effect, promoting relaxation and well-being. The tactile feedback from fidget toys can provide a sense of comfort and security, helping children feel more at ease in challenging or overwhelming situations.
4) Create Movement for Stimulating the Brain Stem: Fidgeting with the hands can send signals to the brain to be alert.
5) Sensory Stimulation: Manipulating fidget toys require precise hand movements, which can help develop and refine fine motor skills in children. Activities like spinning, twisting or squeezing fidget toys can strengthen hand muscles, improve dexterity, and enhance hand-eye coordination. These can have a positive impact on various everyday tasks including writing, drawing, and self-care activities.
6) Provide Enhanced Learning Opportunities: The tactile and kinesthetic experiences provided by fidget toys can enhance learning engagement and retention.
7) Social and Emotional Development: Fidget toys provide a non-verbal outlet for emotional expression, enabling children to channel their feelings and communicate their emotional state in a comfortable and non-threatening way.
8) Provide Fun Mental Occupation: Fidget toys can productively distract and occupy a child’s attention. In addition to boosting focus and productivity, by giving child’s mind a bit of fun mental break making it easier to pay attention afterward.
9) Calming and Self-Soothing: By engaging with fidget toys children can redirect their energy in a constructive manner, reducing impulsive behaviors and promoting a sense of calm. The repetitive movements and physical engagement can serve as a healthy coping mechanism, providing a sense of control and stability in challenging situations.
10) Behaviour Management: Fidget Toys can contribute to behaviour management strategies in classrooms or therapy sessions. By offering a constructive outlet for excess energy, fidget toys can help minimize disruptive behaviour patterns and promote a more focused and attentive environment.