I know it can’t just be me who deals with lots of emotions in my home. We feel all the feelings here, which, of course, is wonderful. But at the same time, I want my kids to be able to be in control rather than always react with an outburst.
Sometimes children (and adults) need a moment to calm themselves. Taking deep breaths, taking a walk, or counting to five are all helpful. Another idea is a visual sensory activity, such as watching glitter settle in a bottle.
This can also be really effective if your child is overstimulated. They can help kids regulate their emotions and behaviors and put them in a state of relaxation.
Check out the steps below to create your own calming glitter sensory bottle.
1. Gather your ingredients.
- water bottle (I used Voss brand.)
- clear corn syrup (I used Karo brand.)
- assorted glitter
- food coloring
- dish soap (I used Dawn.)
- strong glue (such as Gorilla Glue or Crazy Glue)
- water
I used the glitter I had around the house. But you can also add small lightweight items such as pom poms or beads. Or consider making them holiday-themed. Make an orange one with pumpkins for Halloween or a green one with Christmas trees during the holidays.
2. Empty your water bottle and remove the logo.
My daughter was so disappointed this water did not “taste fancy.” Haha! I’m not sure what she expected. The water bottle sticker came off easily for me, but if you’re having a hard time, try using steel wool.
3. Add glitter (or anything else you want floating) to the bottle.
A funnel might be a good idea.
4. Add a tiny bit of water and shake all the glitter around.
This step breaks up any glitter clumps.
5. Fill the bottle about 1/3 of the way up with corn syrup.
Don’t get overly concerned about exact measurements. The corn syrup thickens the water and makes it look shimmering too.
6. Add three drops of dish soap.
The soap slows the glitter settling and keeps it from clumping together.
7. Fill the rest of the bottle with water.
8. Add a few drops of your food coloring.
You don’t need very much to make it pretty.
9. Seal the bottle shut with glue.
No one wants this thing breaking open. What a mess that would be!
10. Shake it up and calm yourself as you watch your glitter settle.
Originally published January 2022.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
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