If you’ve been receiving more notes from the teacher about your child fidgeting, having trouble sitting still, or struggling to focus lately, you aren’t alone. At The Village, we see it every year: as the flowers start to bloom, the “wiggles” seem to multiply.

Before you start to worry that your child is acting out or losing focus, consider this: their body might be telling them exactly what it needs to handle a biological “Spring Surge.”

The Science Behind the Spring Wiggles

As the weather warms up and the daylight hours increase, a child’s body responds to real biological changes. More sunlight often translates to a surge in internal energy. However, the expectations of the classroom or the dinner table haven’t changed—they are still expected to sit still for the same amount of time.

For many children, especially those with sensory processing differences, this mismatch between their internal “engine” and external expectations can look like hyperactivity or inattention. But at The Village, we believe that movement isn’t misbehavior. In most cases, it’s actually a child’s nervous system trying to organize itself.

Working With the Wiggles (Not Against Them)

When a child can’t stop moving in their chair, they aren’t trying to be difficult. Their body is seeking input to help them regulate their emotions and focus. Instead of fighting the movement, we can work with it. By giving kids structured “movement opportunities,” we actually help them focus better afterward.

Try This This Week: The “Sensory Diet”

Occupational therapists often suggest a “sensory diet”—small, intentional bursts of activity that help organize the nervous system. Here are three simple ways to help your child find their balance after school:

• 10 Minutes of “Heavy Work”: Before starting homework or sitting for dinner, give them a task that uses their muscles. Pushing a heavy laundry basket, carrying groceries, or doing “animal walks” (like a bear crawl or crab walk) provides the deep pressure input the body needs to feel grounded.
• The Power of the Fidget: Sometimes, the body needs to move so the brain can think. Offer a stress ball, a textured eraser, or even a thick rubber band around the legs of their chair for them to kick against. This provides sensory input without disrupting their work.
• Timed Movement Breaks: Don’t wait for the fidgeting to start. Every 15 minutes, pause for a “reset.” Do 10 jumping jacks, a quick stretch, or a lap around the kitchen island. These short bursts reset attention and lower frustration.

The “Small Win” of Movement

One of our favorite success stories involves a student who struggled with a “45-minute homework battle” every single night. After their parents introduced 5 minutes of jumping on a mini-trampoline before sitting down, that battle vanished. The child finished their work in 20 minutes.

The movement wasn’t the problem; it was the solution.

Is it just “Spring Fever” or something more?

If you’re wondering whether your child’s wiggles are just typical spring energy or if they could benefit from extra support—like occupational therapy—we are here to help you navigate those questions.

At The Village, we’re committed to helping every child feel regulated, supported, and ready to learn—no matter how much they need to wiggle!