It may be hard to console your child when they become anxious or upset.It takes something like a calm down jar to bring them back from the brink.A type of craft therapy called calm down jars allow agitated children to focus on something pretty and peaceful, which can have a tremendous tranquilizing effect.To make your own calm down jar at home, you will need a plastic jar or bottle, some hot water, a few drops of food coloring, and some glitter.
Step 1: There is a container with a secure lid.
You can start with any transparent container for your calm down jar.Plastic containers are less likely to break and cause accidents.A solid one-piece lid or cap that screws on and stays put is what the container should have.If you want to use santix bottles for a nice toy, make sure the bottle caps are screwed on tightly so no liquid will leak out and cause a mess.If you have older children that you trust to handle glass, mason jars are a good place to start.Younger children are better off with clear plastic containers.You can check your recycling for an empty peanut butter jar, a sturdy water bottle, or a plastic juice or soda bottle.The large size and smooth construction of the bottles make them a good choice for crafters.For older kids because of glass shatters, there are other ideas.
Step 2: Put warm water in the jar or bottle.
When the water is half full, turn on the tap and run it into the jar.Each component will be added individually from here.They will form a suspension in the water that will allow the glitter to settle.Adding glitter glue to the water will create the glitter effect.Warm water will help melt the glue and result in a smooth suspension.The glitter mixture has room to move if space is left at the top of the container.
Step 3: Get some glitter glue.
Break up clumps of glue by pouring it into the water.Use 1-2 small tubes of glitter glue for larger containers.A single tube is likely to do the trick for small calm down jars.The glitter glue may get stuck and clump into bits, so a good idea is to use very hot water.Shake it really hard after closing the lid to get the glue out.
Step 4:
Pull the glue out of the slender tubes with a toothpick or cotton swab.
Step 5: Food coloring can be added.
The water-glue mixture has food coloring in it.The amount you use is up to you.The jar will look bright and translucent if less food coloring is used.When you reach the desired shade, stir in the food coloring gradually.Don't add too much color.This will make it hard to see the glitter in the jar.You can only use 3 or 4 drops for mason jars.Add more water by pouring out most of the bottle.
Step 6: It's time to shake in a little glitter.
Grab an additional tube of glitter and put it in the jar.The calm down jar has the main attraction being the glitter, so don't be afraid to use a lot.When your calm down jar has the right level of shimmer, you and your child can decide.The longer it takes to settle, the more glitter you use.Change how long it takes for the glitter to settle in the jar with different proportions of ingredients.There are different colors of glitter.
Step 7: Put the lid in place.
Now that all the necessary components are in place, top off the jar the rest of the way with water and leave a small space at the top.Use a strong glue or rubber cement on the underside of the lid.It should be put firmly over the opening of the jar or bottle.Allow some time for the glue to take hold.There is no risk of the lid being pried off by small children if it is dropped.When handling strong glues, be careful.There are strong glues that can hurt your skin.There is a lot of potential to make a mess since there will be glitter everywhere.
Step 8: You can make jars in different colors.
You should create as many calm down jars as you please.Pick out a few bold colors or fill each jar with a different color to make a rainbow display.The calming effect of the jar will be enhanced if your child gazes at their favorite color.Every child in the household should have their own jars.This will help keep arguments to a minimum.Blue, pink, green, and lavender are soft colors.
Step 9: Adding glitter shapes to your jars will make them more interesting.
You can mix glitter and glue with a special craft glitter.When you shake the jar, you will be able to see a lot of things.Adding a personal touch to the jar is a great way to encourage your child to be creative.Small toys that fit and moss for a bottom of the ocean feel.There are unique and interesting types of glitter.
Step 10: Try different containers to see if you like them.
There are other items that can make a calm down jar.If it is made of transparent plastic, an empty sunscreen bottle can be cleaned out and turned into a travel-sized calm down jar.It's possible to make an oversized version using a peanut or pickle jar that all the little ones can gather around at the same time.Make sure the container you choose is clear, can be gripped easily, and won't shatter if thrown.You can give your kids something to play with while you are grocery shopping by filling a hand sanitizer bottle with glitter.
Step 11: Put the jar in your child's hand and shake it.
You can give your child a physical outlet to blow off steam by shaking the jar.They can push it as hard as they want until they get used to it.The glitter will dance in a cascade when the liquid inside the jar shifts.Explain that the jar is supposed to make you feel better when you are unhappy.Small children should be able to shake the jar themselves.You can start it for them if they don't.
Step 12: Ask your child to watch the glitter swirl.
Your child can sit and marvel at the movement of the jar after shaking it.It can be quite fascinating to observe the shimmering liquid.With their attention on the jar, they will forget about what upset them in the first place.It will take a few minutes for the glitter to settle, which will stop your child from racing.
Step 13: Help your child deal with their feelings.
While your child is focused on the jar, have them sit or lie down.Get them to concentrate on taking deep, relaxing breaths if they are still anxious.They will find their mood settles along with the glitter.The calm down jars subconsciously mirror your child's emotional state.They will be responding to the behavior of the jar without even knowing it.Encourage them to keep the calm down jar in their room or take it to a quiet place where they can have a few minutes alone to cool off.