Five Tips to Support Fidgeting During Homework Time

“Children don’t learn to sit still by being told to—they learn by first moving enough to know what still feels like.”

~ Dr. Lindsey Biel, co-author of Raising a Sensory Smart Child

If you’ve ever told your child to “sit still and pay attention,” only to watch them squirm harder, you’re not alone. For years, many of us thought focus meant stillness—until we realized our children weren’t misbehaving. They were moving because their bodies needed help organizing their thoughts.

The truth is, the goal isn’t stillness—it’s regulation. Movement helps the brain filter sensory input, stay alert, and focus. When kids are told to stop moving, they often become more anxious and distracted.

Here are five simple ways to support your child’s natural need to move while still getting homework done.

Offer Controlled Movement Options

Kids often focus better when they can move their bodies in small, intentional ways. Try adding one or two of these tools:

A wobble cushion or yoga ball chair for gentle motion
An under-desk foot band or small pedal exerciser for quiet leg movement
A standing desk or tall counter for alternating between sitting and standing
A few wall push-ups or stretches before sitting down

These tools satisfy the body’s need for feedback and help the brain settle into work mode.

Choose Fidget Tools with Purpose

Fidgets can help when used correctly. Choose quiet, repetitive items that support concentration:

Therapy putty or stress ball
Silicone fidget strips stuck to the desk
Weighted lap pad or small smooth stone
A fidget spinner only during listening—not reading or writing

Rotate tools every few weeks to keep them interesting but not distracting.

Build in Movement Breaks

Rather than waiting for your child to lose focus, schedule short breaks before frustration builds. Every 20–30 minutes, take a quick movement break:

Jumping jacks or stretches
Carrying laundry or pushing against a wall
Dancing to one favorite song

A sand timer or visual cue can make transitions easier. Kids learn to expect movement, not fight for it.

Create a Focus-Friendly Space

Small environmental changes go a long way:

Keep the table clear of extra materials.
Play soft background music or white noise if silence feels too quiet.
Do a few minutes of “heavy work” like sweeping or lifting books before starting.
This activates the body’s calming system.

Teach Body Awareness

Help your child recognize what their body is saying. Ask reflective questions such as:

“What helps your body feel calm while your brain works?”
“Does this fidget help you focus or distract you right now?”
“Want to try two minutes with it and two minutes without to see what works best?”

This kind of coaching builds emotional intelligence and self-regulation.

Bonus: Try a Simple “Fidget and Focus” Routine

Start with three minutes of stretching or “animal walks.”
Let your child choose one fidget tool.
Work for 20 minutes.
Take a five-minute break to move or grab a snack.
Return and celebrate the progress.

When we make room for movement, we help our children learn how to manage energy, attention, and emotion. Supporting fidgeting doesn’t mean letting go of structure—it means teaching self-awareness and balance.

When kids can move with purpose, they can focus with confidence.

HEY, I’m Ebony Davis

With over a decade of experience in behavioral health, Ms. Davis is a skilled clinician, program developer, and trainer specializing in direct care and workforce development for behavioral health professionals. Her expertise includes implementing evidence-based interventions, integrating behavioral health services into workforce readiness programs, and developing trauma-informed care models for diverse populations. She has worked extensively in substance use prevention, forging public-private partnerships to address opioid misuse and enhance community-based recovery support.