Fidget Spinners

Nope.  Just nope.

I thought of making that my entire post but then felt it was my motherly duty to explain why I’m so adamantly “nope.”

It’s because of bike helmets for all activities, participation trophies, not identifying classrooms that have an occurrence of lice because “we don’t want any children to feel bad” (yes, that has actually happened in real life).  It’s because of iPads at dinner tables, NEEEEEEDING to have friends over, teacher requests and overmedication of children (and adults).

I’m a firm “NOPE” on fidget spinners because I grew up much differently and, let’s face it, I’m one of the most awesome people I know.  I’m sure every generation feels that the following ones are getting “soft,” that they are spoiled and prissy and I’m not above admitting that I feel my parenting sometimes gives into these new standards.  I’m not happy that I allow my children more time with electronics than I think is appropriate.  On the other hand, my kids really like being outdoors, they like sports and being active, they like colouring and building and reading, things that I think actually help develop their brains more than an app aimed to “develop young brains.”

When fidget spinners and fidget cubes first came out, I thought they had a specific audience.  We know that there are kids and adults alike that have trouble sitting still, concentrating on the task at hand and I’m not judging the method they use to focus themselves when needed.  What I don’t like is the blanket presumption that all children need a “fidget” or a device to help them learn.  This is no longer a learning tool, it’s a toy.

My husband and I banned fidget spinners in our home.  Then our eight year old was given one as a gift.  Then she ‘traded’ for one at school without my knowledge.  “What did you trade for it?” I asked when she got home.  “Seven dollars,” was the reply.  Ummmm, so you bought a fidget spinner, dear.

One of them got water spilled on it, rusted up and stopped spinning.  Oops!  The other is still kicking around.  And you know what the ironic part is?  My kids like to show me their tricks on it.  And by tricks, I mean that they can hold it and make it spin, sometimes even on one finger.  Seriously?!?!  You want to know when they love to show me this?  When I’m working.  From home.  And I’m trying to concentrate.  Fidget spinner be damned!