Fun with Squigz!
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I’ve had quite a few parents ask me about these fun little toys in my sessions recently, so I thought it was time to teach you about one of my favorite toys.
Squigz!
What are they?
Squigz are described as “fun little suckers”. They are flexible, silicone toys with suction cups on all ends. They stick to almost any solid surface and they stick to each other. They provide a satisfying “pop” sound when pulled apart and the best part for parents is they are a mess free activity and easy to clean.
So why do I love them so much as a PT?
They are great for kids of all ages and can provide a variety of strengthening, coordination, and proprioceptive input. Squigz are also great for visual, tactile, and auditory input with bright colors, fun shapes, and an exciting pop sound when pulled.
Here are some fun ways to use squigz with your child:
Work on grasping and arm strength when pushing and pulling two squigz apart.
Stick squigz at different heights on solid surface (I usually suggest a window or fridge). The varying heights will have your child squat, reach over midline, and stand on tip toes to encourage balance, hand-eye coordination, and strength.
Create a fun obstacle course. Have your child jump over certain colors, create a maze they have to run or crawl through, or stick them to the floor to squat and pull them up. Here’s your chance to be creative!
Relay races are always fun. I like to have the child run, jump, or perform a fun animal walk to retrieve a certain color squig and then return to the starting line. This is a fun way to add in lots of movement and work on colors at the same time.
Hide them around the house by sticking them to different surfaces and have your child find all of them.
Work on sit to stand transition. Place a small chair or bench at a window and place the squigz about shoulder height. Your child will transition from sit to stand from chair to reach squigz and pull off window.
Is your child beginning to cruise on furniture? Place the squigz on the mirror in a line to promote cruising in longer distances.
Use different colors to signify which hand to use to remove squig. For example, place the green squigz on left side and red squigz on the right. Then ask your child to reach with their left hand to grab a red squig. This is a great activity for reaching over midline to improve coordination.
*Please be aware that suggested age is above 3 years. Use increased caution and always supervise child if using under 3 years of age due to small parts.
As always, we love to hear how you used the ideas to create fun with your child. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Dr. Haley, PT directly at Haley@setinmotionphysicaltherapy.com