I’ve never been the best at keeping up with trends. For instance, I only jumped on the buttah-like leggings bandwagon a few months ago, and I had no idea that bottle flipping was a trend until I yelled at my kids to stop (for the hundredth time) to avoid a water spill. And don’t even get me started on Orbeez—I still don’t get the hype.
Usually, I learn about the latest kid crazes through social media, where fellow parents voice their frustrations. So, it wasn’t surprising that I first heard about fidget spinners just last week. A neighbor’s child was spinning one in the car on the way to school, and my son suddenly declared he needed one—despite the fact that these little gadgets have been around forever.
What Are Fidget Spinners?
If you’re as clueless as I was, let me enlighten you. Contrary to popular belief, fidget spinners aren’t just a passing fad. They’ve been utilized as sensory tools for children with autism, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or ADHD for quite some time. Similar to stress balls, fidget spinners offer busy hands—and anxious minds—something to do, helping kids focus. And yes, they do exactly what their name implies—they spin. That’s it! You grasp the disc, give it a whirl, and enjoy a moment of calm.
I can’t explain the science behind it, but trust me, it works.
Not Just for Kids
But here’s the kicker—they aren’t just for kids! Forbes has even reported that adults are getting in on the action. Instead of biting your nails or tapping ceaselessly on your desk, you can fidget with a stylish spinner. However, the adult versions can set you back a couple of hundred bucks, unlike the $10 to $20 options for kids.
Mental health professionals have been advocating for similar toys for years. According to Dr. Emily Roberts, the Slinky is one of the oldest fidget toys out there. Who knew? Even if fidget spinners and their friends aren’t necessarily new, their popularity has skyrocketed recently. The Fidget Cube, dubbed the “Cadillac of fidget spinners,” became a massive success on Kickstarter, raising nearly $6.5 million. Forbes even labeled fidget spinners as the “must-have office toy” for adults in 2017.
The Popularity Surge
It seems fidget spinners have been the best-kept secret—at least until now, when they’ve exploded in popularity. Curious about the buzz, I decided to purchase a fidget spinner on Amazon to see if it could help my older son focus. Although he doesn’t have any diagnosed issues, he often struggles with concentration and staying still. He’s the kind of kid who prefers standing at a table instead of sitting at a desk, so I thought it was worth a shot.
When the spinner arrived, my son was at school, so I took it for a spin (pun intended). To my surprise, it was oddly mesmerizing and surprisingly soothing. The chaos in my mind quieted a bit, and I felt less anxious overall.
But oh boy, once my son got his hands on that fidget spinner, things took a turn. He’s had it for just six hours, and I’ve already had to break up countless squabbles with his brother over whose turn it is. He spins it everywhere—at home, during dinner, and even in public. While it might help him find some focus, it’s driving me absolutely bonkers.
Parenting Challenges
It seems I’m not alone in my frustration. Many parents and teachers share my annoyance. The sudden surge in popularity means that fidget spinners are being used as toys by many kids who don’t genuinely need them for mental health reasons (like my son), and they can cause more distractions in classrooms than they help alleviate.
As for whether the fidget spinner truly aids my son in concentrating on tasks like reading or homework, I’m still on the fence. One thing is clear, though: I might need to get my own fidget spinner to cope with the chaos my son’s spinning is causing.
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Summary
Fidget spinners, initially designed as sensory tools for children with specific needs, have become a widespread trend among kids and even adults. While they can serve a purpose for some, their sudden popularity has led to increased distractions in homes and classrooms. Parents are left navigating the balance between allowing the use of these gadgets and maintaining peace in their households.