Over the years, scientists have come up with numerous explanations as to why children fidget. Fidgeting very often occurs when a child is involved in carrying out a task that is not interesting enough to sustain their focus.

It is believed that the additional motor-sensory input gained through fidgeting can stimulate a child’s brain.  It will satisfy the brain’s need for stimulation and allow the child to focus on the task at hand. Fidgeting is a common symptom of some neurological and developmental disorders.  Including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and sensory processing disorders and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Another train of thought is that children are not getting enough exercise. They are not getting outside and moving around enough.  It’s no wonder they lack concentrate when in school and learning in the classroom.

Too Long Sitting Down

Children are spending too much time sitting down. It has been raised as an issue for many reasons right across the UK in recent years.  Particularly in terms of childhood obesity, the risks of overuse of screens, parental fears and liability issues about children being left free to play outdoors without constant supervision.  Coupled with increasing pressure from busy time schedules and educational demands.

A recent study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that sitting down is replacing physical activity from the time children start school, from as early as seven years old. Seven years old! It is no wonder that our children are so fidgety.

How Fidgeting Helps Children with ADHD to Focus

In the UK, it is thought that ADHD affects between 2-5% of school-aged children. The NHS cites common symptoms as a short attention span, restlessness and impulsive behaviour.

A recent study into how children with ADHD process information, revealed that they could perform much better in school if they could fidget. Their fidgeting and restless movements are an important part of how they remember things and work out complex tasks.

The study, carried out at the University of Central Florida, discovered that children with ADHD performed much better if they could move.  For example by riding an exercise bike or playing with an activity ball, whilst performing work related tasks and tests.

It also found that movement serves a purpose and is only apparent when a child needs to use their brain’s executive functions.

Whilst there’s some interesting research into CBD and ADHD, the more holistic suggestions is that rather than trying to reduce hyperactivity in children with the condition, parents and teachers should be doing exactly the opposite.  While letting them run riot is not the idea.  Their movement should be encouraged in constructive ways.  Then they can “maintain the level of alertness necessary for cognitive activities”.

How to Manage Fidgeting

Fidgeting is a double-edged sword. It can help some children to learn.  But if not properly managed, it can interfere with a child’s performance at school. Even disrupting the rest of the class.

The trick is knowing how to manage it. Adults need to change their own perspectives and comfort zone boundaries.  We need to embrace movement rather than challenge it.

The problem now is that children are going into school with their bodies less prepared for learning than ever before. This is happening very early on, as the recent studies have shown.

Children are too sedentary in their lifestyles. I think their sensory systems are not developing fully. But they are asked to sit still and pay attention. I know it is a vicious circle! They start fidgeting to try and get the movement their bodies are craving to be able to focus. Teachers then tell them to sit still.

This makes their brains just want to go back to sleep! If they don’t get enough movement at appropriate times throughout the day, children cannot pay attention when they need too. Plus if they cannot pay attention then they cannot learn. I think it really is as simple as that.

Facilitate Movement

I think the best approach is to try and reduce excess fidgeting and restless behaviour. This can be done by providing suitable outlets for movement.

It’s a case of activating the brain enough to hold and maintain a child’s interest, without impacting learning. It sounds much more complicated than it is! Here are some great ways to go about it:

There are things that can be done inside to help displace or channel movement. Small “fidget toys”, are small enough for a child to hold in one hand. They can manipulate with small movements then while they are listening or reading i.e. putty or a squeezy foam ball.

I think half an hour of movement and playtime each day is not enough! They need to be moving, running, jumping, climbing, stretching their muscles and breathing in the fresh air for an hour at the very least every day!

Children with ADHD and other sensory processing disorders have particularly short attention spans.

I think aiming for shorter, more manageable activities throughout the day, with ample time for regular breaks and bursts of playtime in between should help reduce a child’s fidgeting during school and at home.

Author bio

Emma Homan is an educational copywriter for Pentagon Play and a mother of two who enjoys sharing information on parenting and education at school. Pentagon Play are one of the leading providers of school playground equipment in the UK. You can visit their website here – www.pentagonplay.co.uk