During the stresses of our lives and times when we cannot go out to do things to pamper ourselves the way we used to, have you considered doing something AT HOME and WITH YOUR KIDS to relax?
When was the last time you played with playdough? I find the kneading, rolling, and squeezing to be quite relaxing and satisfying. The trouble with playdough, often, is the unpleasant smell of it and how quickly it dries out. What if I told you that you could make YOUR OWN playdough at home and that it won’t smell bad or dry out quickly?!? And most people have nearly all of the ingredients in their home to make it! It is a very simple recipe and it is easy enough to include your children in making it. You must be anxiously waiting for the recipe, BUT WAIT! I want to tell you about the benefits of including your children in this project. There are so many opportunities to model vocabulary words, give directions, and ask their opinions. Research shows there are so many benefits to providing a language-rich environment. For younger kiddos, here are some great ideas to encourage language during this fun activity! In addition to language benefits, there are all kinds of sights, smells, sounds, and touches they will experience during the process.
Okay, okay. Here is the recipe. Are you ready?
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 Tablespoons oil
2 cups water
food coloring
Combine the ingredients (except the food coloring) in a saucepan and put on medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. It will be soupy for several minutes, then suddenly it will begin sticking together. When it becomes the consistency of mashed potatoes, remove it from the heat. Let it cool until it is cool enough to handle. Knead in coloring of your choice. (I often split it into 2 portions and make 2 different colors. It saves well in a covered bowl or in plastic baggies.
Here is another recipe that is fun and simple to make. How about a sugar scrub to get rid of those dead and dry skin cells on your hands? My recipe uses peppermint essential oil, but you may choose a different essential oil for a different experience. This one only uses 3 ingredients!
Mix together ¾ cup white sugar (could also use brown sugar or sea salt), ½ cup fractionated coconut oil (could also use almond oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil), 12 drops peppermint essential oil, and skin-safe food coloring (optional).
HAVE FUN!!!
Jennifer Buenning, Speech-Language Pathologist