Editor’s Review: Fidget Spinners

Editor’s Review: Fidget Spinners

Bottle flipping is so 2016 for kids right now. The new craze? Fidget Spinners. They’ve been seen at school, plus local baseball fields, parks, and playgrounds. This airplane propeller-like toy (which ranges in price from $3-$10) was originally created to relieve stress for kids and adults, along with provide a calming or focus tool for those with attention disorders.

Kids around the U.S. have suddenly latched onto this toy. Stores are running out within hours. Kids can spin and do tricks (which I learned can be off the thumb or even on someone’s nose or forehead).

It’s inexpensive and easy-to-use, but is it needed?  In my opinion, not during school hours. Generally, districts have a policy about bringing electronics and games to school. Many discourage it and it’s the child’s responsibility if the item becomes lost. As a parent, I don’t want it to become a distraction for my children, or their teachers and classmates. Also, with summer break on the horizon, I feel my boys’ time is better spent outside, playing baseball or any other activity they wish. They can play with these spinners outdoors. but what do I know, I’m just a mom, right? For now, I am biding my time, because this craze too shall pass.

About the author

Angela Gartner has been the editor at Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine since 2014. She has won local and national awards for her features, columns and photography over the years. Previously, her work appeared in publications including The News-Herald, Sun Newspapers and The Chicago Tribune. She grew up in Northeast Ohio and is a mom of two boys. The whole family is busy every weekend with sports and finding new happenings around the region. She is also a board member and past president at the Cleveland Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. She loves reading, writing poetry and taking the family's Scottish Terrier on walks.

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