Last night, my youngest son and I tackled the daunting task of assembling a bathroom cabinet with what felt like a million pieces. Unlike me, he doesn’t get overwhelmed by instructions. Instead, he eagerly unwraps everything, organizes the components (sorting is essential for him), and dives in.
“We can figure it out, Mom,” he reassures me, glancing at the pictures and selecting pieces from his piles. He examines each part thoughtfully before starting to build. While he works, he has a habit of cracking his knuckles, which has become a new quirk of his. This replaced earlier habits like pinching his neck or sucking his fingers while fidgeting. Honestly, I prefer the knuckle cracking.
Once again, he saved my sanity by helping assemble this complex piece. I should probably avoid buying anything labeled “some assembly required,” but I can’t resist a good furniture find online, knowing he’ll be my little helper. Together, we’ve built a desk, a dresser, two cabinets, and a chair (with only a few minor expletives from me).
Every day, I’m amazed by his quick wit and humor. He’s bright and caring, but oh boy, he never stops moving. Sometimes, it drives me nuts, and I have to hold back my frustration.
His teachers have been incredibly supportive, identifying his need for movement to reach his full learning potential. They provided him with a big, bouncy ball to sit on in class, allowed gum chewing, and offered “fidgets,” such as stress balls, to help him channel his energy without disrupting others. Their insights have been a game-changer for both of us. Although he still requires daily reminders to focus, his impulse control has improved significantly, thanks to his teachers’ guidance.
When it comes to attending his older siblings’ sporting events, he loathes the idea. Sitting still for hours is torturous for him. We leave the house equipped with a stress ball, gum, and a book. Even though he still squirms, the gum and ball give him something to focus on. He also finds comfort in wearing a coat, claiming it makes him feel cozy and secure—sometimes, he even wears his winter coat to bed.
At the movies, even when watching a film he’s been eager to see, he still needs a fidget to occupy his hands alongside his snacks. I watch him zone into the screen while squeezing the ball. When we forget it, I can see how much tougher it is for him to get comfortable and enjoy the show.
Long car rides were once a nightmare until I learned he needs an outlet for movement, even while strapped into his seat. During homework, he often has to pace or swivel on his stool to stay engaged. He enjoys bouncing on big balls as well.
I’ve come to realize that many children are fidgety, and just because my son requires a different approach than his older siblings, who can sit still, doesn’t mean he’s “bad.” All kids thrive on movement; they crave opportunities to twist, turn, roll, climb, run, jump, and dance. My son just needs more than most.
If you’re parenting a fidgety child who seems incapable of sitting still, you understand the stress it can bring. I sometimes feel guilty when his restlessness frustrates me, knowing he can’t help it. No amount of biking or tag games seems to fulfill his need to be active.
Memory and movement are closely intertwined. My son learns best through action rather than passive observation, and I must remain patient, allowing him to absorb information in his unique way. The silver lining? I’ll always have a little helper when my impulse purchases lead me to IKEA.
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Summary
Parenting a fidgety child presents its own challenges and joys. While my son often struggles to remain still, his energy and creativity shine through in his actions. Understanding his need for movement has helped him grow academically and emotionally. With the support of his teachers and some helpful tools, we’re navigating this journey together.