Northport Journal Publishes The Wristflips Story

Northport Journal

Northport mom creates bracelets that boost confidence in children by reminding them of everyday tasks

by: Chrissy Ruggeri, May 30, 2021

It's been over a year in the works, but Leigh Boodoo of Northport finally introduced her "Wristflips" brain-training bracelets this month. The bracelets are worn on the wrist, with tasks such as shower, brush teeth and get dressed on one side. Children see the task, and once they complete it, flip the bracelet over. The other sides of the bracelets have positive reinforcements, with words like "outstanding" and "phenomenal" on them. Leigh Launched her business with six bracelets; other tasks include reminders for hair, homework and backpack.
Leigh explained that for people with executive functioning challenges, short-term working memory is impacted. It's easy for them to forget everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth and prepping their backpacks.
When her own children were struggling with their routines, charts or lists just didn't work because they'd always have to go back to and be reminded of them, Leigh said. "I thought if this was just on their wrists, they wouldn't lose it," she said. "So I came up with this idea and went onto a silicone custom website to buy them for my own kids." Leigh learned that it was more cost effective to order them in bulk, as opposed to just one or two. "The lightbulb went off and I thought this is a great idea and I can share them with other people who need them," she explained. "Eventually, I just started designing them and it turned into what it is now."
This lightbulb moment was a year and a half ago; Leigh officially got the ball rolling in January of 2021, on a cold pandemic day when she felt like it was time to listen to her inner voice and start the project. Today, Leigh continues to think of new tasks for the bracelets and new ways of manufacturing them. For her, this is Wristflips 1.0, with more editions to come. The Wristflips bracelets were originally created with her children in mind, but Leigh notes that they are helpful tools for the elderly, or anyone with executive functioning challenges. She told the Journal, "I have a 102-year-old grandmother who is still walking and lives with my parents. She uses the shower bracelet as a way to remind her." Leigh noted that the bracelet motivates her grandmother to complete the task, even if she's tired and maybe would have skipped it otherwise.
Leigh herself has been using the "homework" bracelet to keep her on track with her writing. She has been vocal about her own challenges with ADHD, which went undiagnosed until she was an adult. She explained that she struggled with her short-term working memory and had to come up with her own hacks. As an adult, she has used index cards to stay focused and get things done throughout the day, which worked well for her.
The experience has driven her to become very involved in the special education community in Northport. "I just don't want kids to go through what us undiagnosed ADHD adults went through," she said. "It's horrible because of the insecurities, and you don't know that it's really not your fault. So to teach these children that they can use tools and that they have such great things to offer, they can feel independent, confident and reassured that they are special."
The Wristflips come in a multipack with six bracelets or you can choose your own. You can purchase bracelets at wristflips.com.