Make Fidgets to Soothe Anxiety
Simple, Tactile, and Fun to Share
These therapeutic stress balls are easy to assemble and satisfying to manipulate. Make some to keep and lots to share!
Possible recipients
Reach out to local professionals who may use fidgets in their work with children in crisis, like therapists, social workers, Catholic Charities, or a local organization that works with kids in need of mental health services.
Challenge your family to create a few fidgets for kids dealing with difficult situations, one to share with a friends or family members coping with stress, and one to soothe their own anxieties.
What you'll need
Balloons (2 per fidget)
Scissors
Spoon
Dried beans
Small Funnel that fits your beans (sports water bottle tops work well)
Instructions
Select a balloon and attach it to the funnel.
Add 3 spoonfuls of beans to the balloon. Press them through the funnel until the balloon is the size of a golf ball.
Remove the funnel.
Knot the balloon.
Select the second balloon.
Cut off narrow end, just above the point where the balloon starts to open up.
Nest the knotted end of your first balloon inside the second balloon.
Reflection
How can we use a fidget to help us find our inner calm?
How can talking about feelings help us be more understanding of others?
How do you think other kids will feel when they receive our donated fidgets?
Whom do you plan to give you fidget to, personally? Do you know anyone experiencing extra stress or anxiety lately?
Resources
Browse our collection of books about big emotions, including anxiety.
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
Join Ruby as she watches her small, nagging worry grow into a big, hulking worry monster. How do you get rid of a worry? This book will help even the youngest readers learn the answer.Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
What does it take to overcome your fear, take the leap toward your goal? Jabari’s sweet story encourages young readers to dig deep for their courage to overcome fear. And parents will love the gentle example of patience and encouragement offered by Jabari’s father.Small Things by Mel Tregonning
This powerful graphic picture book helps us all recognize and overcome the little everyday worries that can sap our energy and rob us of happiness. When a young boy is overcome by his inner demons, he begins to do poorly in school, lashes out at his family, and feels utterly alone. Discussion opportunities arise naturally throughout the story, especially as the boy discovers that people everywhere cope with various worries, and that help is never far away.
Take it further
Set up a fidget-making “station” at home. When anyone in the family has some down time and wants to spread some calm, everything will be ready to go.
Set a target for how many fidgets your family would like to make and share by the end of a week. Then celebrate when you achieve your goal.
Create cheerful greeting cards to send with your fidgets.
Discover more projects for big-hearted families.
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The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.