Parenting is hard. Like, "why is my child chewing on the TV remote again?" hard. If you have a kid who puts everything in their mouth, constantly fidgets, or can't sit still for two seconds without touching something, you're not alone. Sensory needs are real, and finding ways to meet them without losing your mind [ or buying your 75th Pop-It] is the goal.
Chewable jewelry and fidget toys are everywhere, but do they really work, or are they just another gimmick designed to drain our wallets? Let’s dig into the myths vs. facts and talk about what’s actually been life-changing for my family.
Myth vs. Fact: Chewable Jewelry
💭 Myth: “Chewable jewelry is just another overpriced toy that my kid will ignore.”
✅ Fact: Nope! If your child has an oral fixation (like mine), a chewable necklace can be a lifesaver. Instead of frantically searching for missing pen caps, destroyed hoodie strings, or mysteriously vanished earbuds (yep, been there), you can give them a safe, durable, and stylish alternative. Our go-to? The Fruity Bites Chewlery – colorful, fun, and made to last.
💭 Myth: “Chewing is just a bad habit.”
✅ Fact: Chewing is actually a natural way to self-soothe and regulate emotions. For kids (and adults) with sensory sensitivities, ADHD, or anxiety, oral input helps calm the nervous system. That’s why my son having a functional item to chew on has saved both him and my TV remote.
💭 Myth: “They’ll just chew through it in a day.”
✅ Fact: Not if you get the right one! Chewable jewelry like the Spidey Chewlery is designed for repeated use, made with BPA-free, durable silicone that can withstand even the most dedicated chompers.
Myth vs. Fact: Fidget Toys
💭 Myth: “Fidget toys are just a fad.”
✅ Fact: Okay, yes, the fidget toy craze is real. But unlike the random trinkets my kid begged me for at checkout, some fidget tools actually work. Research shows that engaging the hands can help reduce stress, improve focus, and regulate emotions. I was skeptical, too—until I saw my kid actually concentrate long enough to finish a worksheet after using the Shape Shifting Cube.
💭 Myth: “Fidgeting is just a distraction.”
✅ Fact: Fidgeting helps kids focus. Movement-based activities can prevent overstimulation and improve concentration. If your child struggles with attention, something like Magnetic Putty might be just the tool they need.
💭 Myth: “All fidget toys are loud and annoying.”
✅ Fact: Not true! Some of the best sensory tools are quiet and discreet. The CalmFlow™ Titanium Breathing Necklace teaches kids (and adults) how to regulate their breathing, helping to reduce stress and anxiety without making a sound.
Chewable Jewelry vs. Fidget Toys – Which One is Right for Your Child?
Honestly? Both. Some kids (like mine) crave oral sensory input, while others need more tactile stimulation. And some, because parenting isn’t challenging enough, need both. That’s why it’s about finding what works for your child.
For my family, chewable necklaces have been life-changing for my son's oral fixation, while fidget toys have helped with focus and self-regulation. And sometimes, you just need a squishy, scented stress ball to get through the day (thank you, Jumbo Scented Ice Cream Stress Ball, for being my emotional support squishie).
Parenting isn’t easy, but having the right tools can make it just a little less chaotic. If you’ve struggled with the endless cycle of destroyed shirts, missing pen caps, and mid-day meltdowns, sensory-friendly solutions might be the missing piece. I know they were for us.
Have you tried chewable jewelry or fidget toys? Let’s share our wins (and fails!) in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences!