5 Ideas for Helping Wiggly Kids Sit Still

I love that kids are naturally playful, bouncy, and wiggly, and I encourage parents to allow movement whenever possible, but sometimes kids do need to sit still.

Often times parents have an idea of what sitting down to do some school work, sit at their online lesson, or even sit at the dinner table can look like. It can be frustrating to try to force kids into a way of being that just isn’t natural or even possible (in some cases) for them! Here are some ways to think outside the box in terms of what “sitting still” can look like. Add these flexible seating options your toolkit, and run through them when you’re having an especially wiggly day!

Wiggle seats, Yoga Balls, or Pillows

Having your child sit on something that can move, gives the an outlet to wiggle around and get that sensory need met, while keeping them in one spot. If you choose a yoga ball or a wiggle chair, make sure their feet can easily touch the ground so they don’t fall off of it. A pillow, or a couple pillows stacked gives a different type of wiggling sensation. You’ll want to makes sure the pillows are firm enough that their body is supported and they aren’t sinking down into the pillow too much.

Lay on Their Tummy

For kids that impulsively get up or run around a lot, this can be a great tool! Not only does it meet a different sensory need, it makes it take more effort to get up off the ground. That alone can help discourage a behavior from happening. In behavior analysis, we call this “response cost” or “response effort.” Making something more difficult to do.

Kneeling

Kneeling at a low table allows for more movement, and a different sensory experience, while still helping them face their computer or school work.

Check on the Furniture Size

Sometimes when kids are sitting at chairs or tables that are too big, they are uncomfortable and you will see more movement or less willingness to stay in one spot. I know when I am sitting at a high top table, it can be uncomfortable if my feet don’t have something to rest on - maybe you know that feeling too! The same goes for our children. If you can access a child-sized table and chair that allows them to use the back rest and have their feet flat on the floor, this is ideal. You can also use boxes or step stools to provide a foot rest if you don’t have child-size furniture yet.

Use Some Weight

A children’s weighted blanket can be another option to try if you have a wiggly kiddo. This can be soothing and help them calm their bodies down.

Provide a Fidget Tool

I say use caution when you’re first working with fidget tools, because they can easily become distracting toys, but they can also be a great tool for kids that are having trouble attending, are fidgeting with toys inappropriately (i.e. chewing pencils, bending paperclips) because it provides a better and safer fidgeting option. If you use this, make sure you teach, model, and reinforce the correct use of the tool. The dollar store has lots of squishy balls, slime, fidget spinners, and other options. I recommend getting a few options and experimenting with what works.

If None of This Works….

As a disclaimer, I am not an Occupational Therapist. If your child seems to have more intense sensory-seeking behavior, and none of these options seem to work, I highly recommend seeking out an OT evaluation. OTs can be absolutely amazing resources for children with sensory needs. I’m happy to chat with you and provide referrals if you’d like!

Conclusion

We make allowances all the time for ourselves as adults. Clicking a pen, pacing during a phone call, bouncing your foot, or doodling on a page are all examples of things we do to help us concentrate, or get a sensory need met. When kids get wiggly they are doing that same thing. It is up to us to help them get that need met in a safe way, and in a way that works for their bodies.

As always, I’m here if you want or need more support with this. I’ve even included a cheat sheet for you right here! You can download it below. It is a great tool to share with other care givers, co-parents, or even teachers who might be struggling to help your child manage his wiggles. Let’s add to everyone’s toolkits and make more spaces where all kids can shine - no matter how wiggly!

With Love,

Claire