I bet every kid has played with slime and for sure it is addicting! Homemade slime is one of the best ideas when it comes to kids’ crafts.
It is quick, fast and super cheap. Even my kids really enjoy playing with it!
This is a fun craft to do as an indoor activity. Trust me, once you get used to it, you are going to make more slime together with your kids throughout the year.
Worry not, as all the things that you need will still be under your budget. Seriously, my children have not been able to get enough of this stuff.
Things can get a bit messy when you are doing this with your kid. So I would suggest you to lay down a tablecloth so that the slime won’t get on the table.
But, for those who are not familiar with slime, here is some info that I would like to share with you.
Let’s Get To Know Slime!
A polymer! Yes, slime is a polymer. It is a form of polymer that is broad and bendy molecules, sort of like spaghetti.
There is plenty of good polymers such as plastic cups, balloons, and even skin.
Typically, polymers do have two parts. The long, bendy polymer molecules are not very elastic, so we need to add a ‘cross-linker’ to create a large polymer.
As a parent, most of us always wonder whether can our children learn anything from playing with slime?
I was one of those parents too. Is playing with slime actually benefits anything to my child or it is just another distraction?
But not anymore. I got to know the benefits and I, myself love it when my child chooses to play with slime even more!
Here, I share with you some of the benefits and advantages of playing with slime for our children.
5 Benefits of Playing With Slime!
1) Slime Increase Mindfulness
Slime activity encourages being in the moment. By playing with slime, it helps to distract your child from television, video games and gadgets – which is a good thing!
Also, one fun fact: The interactive sensory experience provides users with “micromomoments,” or moments that carry 10% of the concentration and consciousness of an individual.
2) Helps To Concentrate Better
It is no secret that, for a long period of time, young children have a hard time focusing on things.
Children must learn how to pay attention, and having slime forces them to concentrate on the ‘assignment’.
The formulas require attention to detail, arithmetic, and chemistry, so they should not be distracted!
3) Helps To Promotes Playtime Independently
For someone who is used to being occupied all the time, one good way for them to amuse themselves for brief periods is to play with slime.
Independent playtime is important because it helps with long-term self-confidence and concentration, and just the kind of activity that will keep them interested is, by playing with slime!
4) Develop Higher Motor Skills
Slime is a sensory toy and it can assist with fine motor skills. It needs the use of the hands and eyes of the child to participate in this game.
It is readily adaptable and a fun and creative way to get kids to exercise endurance, fine motor control, and flexibility.
Fluffy slime, glitter slime, and crunchy slime are the best ones for that.
5) Sense of Relaxation
The biggest advantage of playing with slime is that it is relaxing. Even for adults, it is really calming to take the time to keep the icky, gooey stuff in your hands and play with it.
It will decrease levels of stress and place you in a better mood. If you work with a young person who is anxious, it might be a perfect portable option to provide them with slime.
Despite all of the benefits, many parents still worried about their child’s health. Is slime dangerous to children?
The answer is NO. However, I suggest that when playing with slime, young children should always be supervised and stored somewhere safe where they cannot easily get it.
The small amount of Borax in slime is not likely to cause discomfort for most individuals, but when I finish playing, I still wash my hands and children’s hands, just in case!
Types of Slime That Are Fun and Playable!
- Fluffy slime
- Glitter slime
- Sand slime
What Time Is It? It’s DIY Slime Time With Easy Tips and Tricks!
My kids discovered slime on YouTube videos. There are many videos that did awesome DIY slime with attractive and unique colours!
Trust me, they were obsessed with it! Surprisingly, their friends were also very much obsessed with slime and it comes in different textures too.
Until one day, my children begged me to buy the slime, and being a typical Asian mum, I thought that it was pretty expensive.
So why buy it when we can spend (more quality) time together and do a DIY slime? So, grab your kids and let’s start making homemade slime!
Ingredients To Make Slime:
- 1/2 Cup of Clear PVA School Glue (Elmer’s works best)
- 1/2 Cup of Water
- 1-2 tablespoon of Saline Solution
- 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda (more for white glue and less for clear glue)
- Glitter and Food Coloring
- Fun Mix-ins (like glitters!)
Follow This Method:
- First, you must add glue and food colouring into a bowl. Then, squeeze the bottle of glue into the bowl.
- Add your food colouring with any colour that you want and stir until combined! Then, don’t forget to add some baking soda to the mixture.
- Third step: Mix in the saline solution. Later, you must add 1 1/2 Tablespoons saline solution and mix until combined! If it gets too sticky, add 1/2 Tablespoon of solution at a time. Remember, the more you add, the thicker and slimier it will be.
- Fourthly, you need to knead the slime. Using your hands, knead the slime until it holds together. It will be wet and gooey at first, but just keep kneading until it all comes together!
- Lastly, enjoy your slime! Simple right?
Reminder: When your child is not playing with the slime, store it in a container with a lid or in a ziplock bag. And, it is best to play slime on a placemat!
Last Note on Homemade Slime With Your Kids
It is definitely fun to do, especially with your children. They will be able to learn something new and most importantly, strengthen your bond as a family.
Well, family time matters! Kids love to spend quality time with their mums.
Just make sure that all of the steps are carefully done under your supervision. Have fun with your slime and for more homemade slime recipes, check out this video!
Resource: Slime Homemade Recipe