Parents – A Guide to Introducing Chewelry to Your Kids

Chewelry offers a fun and functional solution for children who need to chew for various reasons, including sensory processing difficulties, teething, or just as a way to focus better. As a parent, introducing chewelry for kids can be a straightforward process, but it helps to approach it thoughtfully to ensure they accept it and benefit from it. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand and introduce chewelry to your children.

Understanding Chewelry
Chewelry consists of wearable items designed for chewing, made from safe, durable materials like silicone. These items can be chewable necklaces, bracelets, or even attachments to clothing, designed to be easily accessible when the child feels the need to chew. Unlike regular toys or unsafe objects that children might put in their mouths, chewelry is made to be chewed. Oral motor input can help regulate the central nervous
system which in turns helps decrease anxiety, and aid in concentration, especially for children with sensory processing issues or those with ADHD. The repetitive motion of chewing actually releases endorphins that promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Benefits of Chewelry

1. Sensory Input: For children with sensory processing disorders, autism, or
ADHD, chewelry can provide the necessary oral sensory input to help calm andorganize their senses. Chewelry is an important part of a sensory diet.

2. Teething Relief: For younger children, especially toddlers who are teething, chewelry can provide relief from gum pain and discomfort.

3. Focus Enhancement: Chewing can help increase focus and attention. It’s aphysical activity that can help children stay grounded and present.

4. Prevention of Chewing Inappropriate Objects: Children who have a habit of chewing on clothes, pencils, or other non-edible items can use chewelry as a safe and appropriate alternative. Chewelry can also be a tool that can prevent self harm -biting or chewing on hands or arms, lips, or inside of mouth.

5. Promotes self-regulation: Often children with autism, SPD or ADHD have
trouble with controlling their impulses. Using chewelry can help children develop coping strategies for when they are overwhelmed.

How to Introduce Chewelry to Your Child

Step 1: Choose the Right Chewelry
Selecting the right chewelry is crucial. Consider your child’s preferences for texture, hardness, and shape. Chewelry comes in various forms—from soft and rubbery to firm and smooth. Let your child be a part of the selection process; this can increase their willingness to use the chewelry. Checking with the seller as to the best style is also a good way to decide on the best piece of chewelry.  Here at Chewigem – we know chewing and can ask you some important questions about your child’s chewing habits so as to get the best chewing experience.  A good chewing experience at the start can
equal success!

Step 2: Explain Its Purpose
Before introducing the chewelry, explain its purpose to your child. Use simple terms that they can understand, such as “This is a special necklace (or bracelet) that you can chew on when you feel like chewing something. It’s safe, and it will help you feel better.”
Introduce the chewelry to your child when they are calm.

Step 3: Establish Rules and Guidelines
It’s important to set specific guidelines about when and where the chewelry can be used. Explain that it’s for personal use and shouldn’t be shared with others for hygiene and safety reasons. Also, discuss with your child when it’s appropriate to use the chewelry (e.g., not during mealtimes).

Step 4: Integration into Daily Routine
Each child is different when it comes to accepting the use of chewelry. For some, you may need to introduce it slowly. Let them fidget with it, suck on it, ask questions about it. Don’t force using it but if your child is reluctant, redirection is key to chewelry success.
Incorporate the chewelry into your child’s daily routine. For children who go to school, talk to their teachers about the purpose of the chewelry so that they are aware and supportive. It may be helpful if you have a piece of chewelry for school and another for home. Having the teacher or a friend also wear a piece of chewelry can help wearing chewelry feel more inclusive. Encourage your child to use the chewelry during homework time, while reading, or during other focus-intensive activities.

Step 5: Regular Maintenance
Teach your child the importance of keeping their chewelry clean. Regular washing with soap and water is necessary to keep it hygienic and safe to use. Depending on the type of chewelry, it might also be dishwasher safe. Check with the supplier as to the best method of cleaning. Chewigem provides a cleaning fact sheet with each order.

Step 6: Monitor and Provide Positive Reinforcement
Monitor how your child uses chewelry and provide positive reinforcement when they use it appropriately. Praise them for choosing to use their chewelry instead of chewing on inappropriate items. This will reinforce the behavior and encourage them to keep using it.

Tips for Success

• • •  Involve Your Child: Involvement in the process of choosing their chewelry can make children more excited and willing to use it.
    •  Variety and Replacement: Having different types of chewelry  available can keep your child interested. Over time, chewelry can wear out, so it’s important to check it regularly for signs of wear and replace it when necessary. A variety of styles and textures is also beneficial for different types of chewing activity. (more anxiety, less anxiety)
    •  Safety First: Always ensure the chewelry is made from non-toxic materials and is appropriate for your child’s age and chewing needs

Conclusion

Chewelry can be a beneficial tool for children who need it. Whether it’s for sensory processing, focus, or just plain teething relief, chewelry offers both parents and kids a practical solution. By understanding your child’s needs and introducing chewelry in a thoughtful way, you can help make it a successful part of their routine. Encourage, redirect, monitor, and adapt as needed to ensure your child gets the most out of their chewelry. With the right approach, chewelry can be a beneficial addition that supports
your child’s needs in a safe, effective way.