I saw this somewhere a few months back and thought it was the perfect solution to replace time-outs. If your child is like mine and time-outs only cause a bigger eruption of emotions and never seem to work the way intended this can be a great tool. When Emma needs a moment to herself (to put it nicely) I ask her to sit with her calm down jar for a few minutes and come find me when she sees most of the glitter fall to the bottom. She usually starts off by giving it a good shake, this helps get some of that frustration out. Then she sits mesmerized by all the glitter falling to the bottom. By the time I get my over tired and emotional child back, she is ready for a cuddle. Yes, it's not magic, but it seems to help smooth things out. It is actually pretty relaxing for me to watch as well.
I had Emma help make it and explained to her what her special calm down jar was. This was a good opportunity for us to chat about feelings and good ways to express them.
Materials
Small Jar- make sure it's one that will hold liquid tightly
2 tubes of glitter glue
half a tube of glitter
a few drops of food color
water
This is pretty simple, just add everything to the jar. Use warm water and give it a good shake to get the glue mixed in well. I had Emma help me by adding all the materials and of course the shaking. Bring on the peace!!
we are making one of these this week... thanks for sharing this idea, I think my son will do well with it during his calm-down times :)
ReplyDeleteShe's certainly "mesmerized" (not "memorized") in this photo!! SUCH a terrific idea that will be perfect for my grandchildren! :-D
ReplyDeleteCan someone that has made this one please tell me how long it takes for this amount of glitter to settle to the bottom of the jar? thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt takes about a minute for the majority to settle. For every last piece, it could take awhile. :) My kids usually are good after a minute or so. Hope that helps.
DeleteI just made one and the water is still warm so the glitter falls to the bottom very quickly hopefully when it cools it will take longer to fall also can I use elmers glue if I need to instead of glitter glue?
Delete:-( I made mine let it cool down to room temperature and the glitter goes to the bottom after 1 minute I added more glue and it did not make a difference it still floats to the bottom to quickly...so Disappointed.. :-(
DeleteI'm sorry it's not working for you. I am not sure what could be the difference. My glitter is definitely on the slower side, actually would like it to move faster. Wish I could bring you over mine! What size is your jar? I wonder if it's larger than mine and made the difference. I think mine is a 10oz.
Deletethe fine-ness of the glitter is what makes the difference in how quickly it floats to the bottom.
DeleteIf you put some corn syrup in with it, that will slow down the glitter.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Amy!
DeleteJust made my first attempt. The glue is clumping and I think my glitter is too heavy. The fine glitter that did separate from the glue keeps swirling for a long time. The next one I make, I will use the very fine, wouldn't-want-it-in-my-house-because-it-sticks-to-everything kind of glitter :)
ReplyDeleteStill love it! The kids have been told they will get told how many shakes per time out. Shake, let it settle, repeat!
I also used a plastic peanut butter jar and super glued the lid. Tried to make it 3 year-old temper tantrum proof. :)
Great idea on using plastic! I can't imagine giving an upset child a glass jar! I also think gluing the lid is wise... :)
DeleteI finally made a calm down jar melissa. Thanks for sharing this project with us— I love how they turned out.
ReplyDeletethis is such a great idea. we're making one today.
ReplyDeleteI want it for myself!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am 62
I made one with just glitter (fine) and water and the glitter just clumped up at the top. So I tried it with baby oil instead on water and got a much much much better result.
ReplyDeleteThis worked best for me!!!!!
DeleteI would like to make a few of these and post the craft on my blog. Can I link your blog on mine for others to find the directions?
ReplyDeleteI would like to make 4 different color ones for my kids to just have. They are great! Maybe one pink, one purple, one blue and one green. So cool...
ReplyDeleteJust saw this, and can't wait to do it with the grandkids! I may just make one for myself! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePS. Just found you on Pinterest -- wow! What a treasure trove of ideas you have!
Tere F.
We just made these. My daughter made a pink one. To get out the clumps that the glitter glue made, I took a fork and whisked it around the jar for a few seconds or more and no more clumps! My daughter loves it and it works great!
ReplyDelete