For children with special needs or children who are on the spectrum, chewing can be a way of "stimming," or self-stimulating, their senses. Repetitive behaviors like stimming can provide individuals with comfort and proprioceptive feedback.
Chewies can be a simple solution for sensory seekers looking for oral-motor stimulation, individuals with difficulties focusing, and kiddos with school-related anxiety.
How to use Chewies at home
Take a bite out of homework time
For homework hours, using a pencil-topper chewie can help them de-stress, focus, or calm down while stretching their brain for math problems.
Using chewies as an incentive
If your kiddo particularly loves stimming on chewies, use chewie time as an incentive to help them with task completion. For example, let your kiddo know they can have a chewie after they do the dishes, finish their homework, or tidy up their bedroom.
Use Chewies to reinforce therapy
Kiddos who are working with an OT or speech pathologist, chewies can be a great way to reinforce therapy at home. Chewies can be a way of enhancing oral motor skills by strengthening the mouth and jaw muscles.
How to use Chewies at school
No more pencils covered in teeth marks
Unlike pencils, Chewies are made of durable silicone and can be easily cleaned, which is great. Plus, you can just pop a chewie on the end of a pencil so the kiddo can refrain from gnawing on their writing tools in class. Chewies keep shirt collars out of mouths and pencils free of bite marks.
Use Chewies for test anxiety
Tests can be a source of stress for kiddos, and using a Chewie as a soothing tool for an anxious kiddo might help them focus a little bit better.
Use Chewies for focusing
For kiddos with ADHD, ADD, autism, anxiety, and the likes, it can be tough to focus in class. Chewies can work as a stim that helps children focus.
Chew on this - conclusion
While chewies might be a great way to help facilitate calming and stimming, they aren't a one size fits all fix. Consult your occupational therapist for advice and support regarding chewies and your child, and bear in mind that these may not be applicable solutions to all.
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