5 Reasons DIY for Kids Could Be the Answer to Summer Tantrums, Experts Explain
Summer break often disrupts the daily routine for children and parents alike. Without the familiar structure of school, children can become restless, leading to more frequent emotional outbursts and what many refer to as “summer tantrums.” While these moments are common, they don’t have to take control of your home.
Research consistently shows that hands-on activities, especially DIY toys, offer significant benefits for children’s emotional and cognitive development. A 2021 review published on arXiv highlights how interactive play, like building or creating, promotes skills such as patience, focus, and problem-solving. Additionally, studies emphasize that play-based learning supports emotional regulation by giving kids a constructive outlet for their energy and frustration.
DIY toys also encourage creativity and independent thinking, helping children develop resilience and self-confidence. These benefits make them a powerful tool for parents seeking to ease tantrums and engage kids meaningfully during the summer months.
In this article, we’ll explore five expert-backed reasons why DIY toys for toddlers and older children can reduce summer tantrums. We’ll also explain why HandyFamn’s thoughtfully designed DIY for Kids make it easy for parents to bring these benefits into their homes.
What Causes Tantrums in Young Kids?
Young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, frequently struggle with managing their emotions because the brain regions responsible for emotional regulation are still developing. This developmental stage makes it difficult for them to verbalize feelings like frustration, disappointment, or fatigue, often resulting in tantrums. Recognizing the common causes of tantrums can help parents better support their children’s emotional growth and find effective ways to reduce these challenging moments.
Several key factors contribute to why tantrums happen so often during these early years:
Emotional regulation challenges Toddlers and preschoolers are still learning to control impulses and handle complex emotions. Their outbursts are often an expression of overwhelm or distress because they do not yet have the skills to communicate their needs effectively. This developmental stage means they need extra patience and supportive guidance as they build these crucial skills.
Boredom and overstimulation When children lack stimulating and meaningful activities, they tend to become restless and irritable. On the other hand, environments filled with excessive noise or too many demands can overwhelm young kids, triggering tantrums as a coping mechanism. Finding the right balance of engagement and calm is key to helping children feel secure and focused.
Passive screen time effects While screen time can appear to offer an easy distraction, excessive passive consumption such as watching videos or playing non-interactive games can negatively affect a child’s ability to focus and manage emotions. Studies have found that passive screen time limits opportunities for children to practice self-regulation and problem-solving. Encouraging active, hands-on activities instead helps strengthen these vital cognitive and emotional skills.
This is where STEM learning tools, DIY toddler toys, and engaging DIY for kids activities provide valuable alternatives. These hands-on, creative projects encourage children to actively participate, promoting creativity, patience, and cognitive skills. Such interactive play gives kids a constructive outlet for their energy and frustration, which supports better emotional control.
Here Are 5 Expert-Backed Reasons to Try DIY for Kids This Summer
If you're wondering how something as simple as hands-on play can ease emotional outbursts, you're not alone. Backed by research and expert insights, these five reasons explain how DIY toys and activities do more than just entertain, they actively support your child’s development, focus, and emotional well-being. Let’s take a closer look.
Reason 1: Hands-On Play Builds Emotional Regulation
We just talked about how young kids struggle to control their feelings, especially when they get bored or overwhelmed. One of the easiest ways to help is through hands-on play.
When children get to touch, build, or create things, it helps them slow down and focus. This kind of activity calms their nervous systems, giving them a chance to practice handling their emotions in a healthy way. That’s why DIY toys for toddlers are such a great choice. These toys are designed to be just challenging enough to keep kids interested without causing frustration or overload.
Using DIY toys for toddlers encourages kids to explore different textures, shapes, and tools. This sensory engagement supports emotional regulation by helping them stay calm and attentive. More than that, when kids make something with their own hands, whether it’s a simple craft or a small project, it gives them a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. These positive feelings can reduce tantrums and help children settle their energy.
Reason 2: DIY Toys Improve Focus and Reduce Restlessness
One of the biggest challenges during summer break is helping kids stay focused without the structure of school. DIY for kids projects provide just the right amount of challenge to hold a child’s attention without overwhelming them. Engaging in hands-on tasks like building, crafting, or assembling keeps their minds active and their bodies calm.
Studies in early childhood development show that tactile activities help children enter a “flow” state, a deep focus mode where time seems to fly by and learning happens effortlessly. Unlike passive screen time, which can increase restlessness, DIY toys for toddlers and older kids encourage mindful engagement. This shift not only keeps them busy but also supports stronger concentration and fewer emotional meltdowns.
Reason 3: STEM Learning Tools Promote Problem-Solving
Kids love solving problems, especially when they get to do it with their hands. That’s what makes STEM learning tools so powerful. These are not just toys. They are tools that encourage logic, trial and error, and perseverance. Whether it’s building a basic robot, experimenting with magnets, or connecting gears, children are learning how to think critically, test ideas, and adapt when things don’t work right away.
What sets the best STEM toys apart is their ability to balance structure with freedom. There’s a challenge, but not a rigid answer. This flexibility encourages independent thinking and helps kids build confidence in their own ideas. They learn to see mistakes as part of the process, not a reason to give up.
According to a 2023 study in the Early Childhood Education Journal, STEM-based play has been shown to strengthen core executive functions like working memory, focus, and flexible thinking. These skills are closely tied to emotional regulation, helping children better manage frustration and recover from setbacks.
Reason 4: DIY Gifts for Kids Encourage Creativity and Independence
When children take part in crafting something themselves, especially when it’s something they can gift or keep, it builds a deep sense of pride and ownership. That’s the unique beauty of DIY gifts for kids. These projects don’t just keep little hands busy. They teach kids that their efforts and creativity have value.
Making something from start to finish, even a simple paper craft or a homemade card, helps kids feel capable. It boosts self-esteem and encourages a mindset of independence. This kind of hands-on creativity can shift behavior in powerful ways. Kids who feel proud of what they’ve made are more likely to show patience, persistence, and even empathy.
Projects like decorating a pencil holder, designing their own tote bag, or painting a mini birdhouse are great examples. These DIY toddler toys are simple, safe, and manageable for young kids, giving them a sense of accomplishment without being too difficult.
Encouraging creative, child-led play with DIY gifts for kids is more than just a fun activity. It’s a tool for emotional growth. It helps kids build confidence in their abilities, supports positive behavior, and gives them a healthy, joyful outlet for self-expression.
Reason 5: The Social and Bonding Benefits of DIY Play
DIY play helps children build meaningful connections with family and friends through shared activities. When kids work on DIY for kids projects together, they learn valuable social skills like communication, cooperation, and patience. These moments teach children how to listen, share ideas, and solve problems as a team, which can reduce frustration and prevent tantrums.
For example, siblings might collaborate to decorate a craft, or parents might help toddlers assemble a simple toy. These activities create opportunities for conversation and emotional support, strengthening relationships. The focus shifts from the end product to the experience of working together, which fosters a sense of belonging and security.
With DIY toys for toddlers, gentle guidance during play helps young children feel safe as they explore new textures and tools. This supportive environment encourages them to express their feelings and build confidence in their abilities. When children feel emotionally connected and understood, they are better equipped to manage their emotions and behaviors.
Why Handy Famn DIY Toys Stand Out for Kids and Parents
At Handy Famn, we believe that DIY toys should be safe, simple, and genuinely engaging. Our kits are designed to give children hands-on learning experiences that nurture creativity and practical skills. Here’s what makes our products some of the best choices for families looking for quality DIY gifts for kids this summer:
- Our child-friendly tools is specially designed for little hands, ensuring safety without compromising the authentic building experience. You can trust that your child can confidently explore construction with tools made just for them.
- Easy-to-use measuring tapes and wrench kits promote precision and fine motor skill development while being intuitive for young learners to use independently.
- Our kits integrate core STEM concepts through play, making them some of the best STEM toys available. They encourage problem-solving, logic, and creativity.
- Made from durable, non-toxic materials, our toys prioritize safety and are built to last through multiple projects and play sessions.
We’re proud to create DIY toys that combine fun and education, with a design philosophy centered on safety and engagement. Explore our full range of DIY kits and find the perfect project to inspire their next adventure.
Common Questions Parents Ask
What if my child doesn’t sit still long enough to finish?
Many kids have short attention spans, especially when they’re excited or overwhelmed. That’s totally normal! Instead of aiming for long sessions, encourage short bursts of play. Even 10 to 15 minutes can help your child calm down and focus. Breaking projects into smaller steps keeps things manageable and fun. To make the most of these moments, you can explore How to Create a DIY Activity Routine for Kids for tips on building consistent and enjoyable DIY time into your child’s day.
What if they don’t finish the project?
Finishing isn’t the goal, exploration is. Open-ended DIY activities encourage creativity and problem-solving no matter how much of the project gets done. The important part is the experience and the skills developed along the way. If your child loses interest, you can always revisit or try a different project. For fresh project ideas that are fun and simple, check out our 5 Engaging DIY Projects to Kickstart Your Summer, they’re perfect for getting started with real tools in an enjoyable way.
What if my child gets frustrated or gives up?
Frustration is a natural part of learning and growing new skills. It’s okay if your child feels stuck or overwhelmed sometimes, that’s how they build resilience and confidence over time. Encouraging them to take breaks and celebrate small wins can make a big difference. Using tools that are safe and easy to handle can also help reduce frustration. For example, child-friendly multi-tool sets designed with little hands in mind can support your child as they gain skills at their own pace. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.
What if I’m not crafty or don’t have time to help?
That’s completely okay! Many DIY activities can be child-led, giving kids the chance to explore and learn independently while you supervise from nearby. The key is allowing space for curiosity without pressure. Even a little time and encouragement can go a long way. To understand more about how these projects help build important problem-solving and life skills, you might find this article helpful: How DIY for Kids Builds Problem-Solving and Life Skills.
What if my kid prefers screens?
Balancing screen time with hands-on DIY play is essential. Setting reasonable limits on passive screen use and introducing fun, tactile projects can help shift their attention toward more active, creative play. Making DIY time a family activity can also turn it into a special bonding experience. Additionally, encouraging kids to take breaks from screens and engage in hands-on tasks helps improve focus and reduce restlessness.
What if previous craft kits bored them?
Not all DIY projects are the same. If your child has lost interest in craft kits before, try switching to lighter, simpler projects that feel more manageable and fun. Easy, open-ended activities that encourage exploration can reignite curiosity without overwhelming them. Choosing projects that allow for creativity and problem-solving rather than just following instructions can keep kids engaged and motivated.
Conclusion
Every parent knows that summer can bring its share of tantrums, restlessness, and emotional ups and downs. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As we've explored, hands-on activities like building, crafting, and creating aren't just fun, they help kids develop patience, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation. These are the tools that ease frustration and reduce outbursts naturally.
From child development experts to real-life parents, one truth holds steady: when kids are engaged in meaningful, tactile play, they feel more grounded and in control. Whether it’s through exploring new STEM concepts or simply making something with their own hands, kids thrive when given the space to create and learn at their own pace.
This summer, consider weaving in more opportunities for open-ended, DIY play. From quick projects to all-day building adventures, the benefits are lasting. If you’re looking for a place to start, explore Handy Famn’s thoughtfully designed collection of DIY for Kids and DIY toys for toddlers, a simple way to help your child grow, learn, and enjoy a calmer summer.
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