Calm Down Jar

A simple DIY calm down jar to help kids better tolerate or manage uncomfortable emotions. Presented to you by Marlena Coelho-Sousae

Ingredients:

1. Corn Syrup/Glycerin
2. Glitter
3. Food Coloring

Steps:

1. Grab mixing bowl.
2. Pour in half a cup of Corn Syrup/Glycerin
3. Pour in half a cup of water
4. Mix the glycerin and water. Make sure you cannot see any of the Glycerin.
5. Pour the mixture back into a water bottle (using a funnel can make it easier)
6. Pour in a tablespoon of glitter. Use multiple sizes/colors.
7. Add food coloring.
8. Add water cap back onto the bottle and shake well.
9. Add a few drops of dish soap to help the glitter not get stuck on the sides of the bottle.

How to use:

This is a wonderful activity if you notice your child is feeling upset, anxious, or uncomfortable. They can grab the jar and shake it up and imagine that the glitter represents all of the different feelings they have inside. If you get them to name them out loud, it can be powerful. Just naming our emotions can greatly reduce their intensity. Tell them it is okay to have strong feelings and we can calm those thoughts and our bodies as well. One way to do this is to let our thoughts settle like glitter in the jar. As the jar is spinning, set it on a surface and calmly watch with your child until the glitter and your minds calm down. You can also have them notice all the different colors and textures. Have them explore different ways they can shake up the jar to make different patterns in the water. They can also count how long it takes for the glitter to settle in the jar. This activity engages their senses while helping them focus on the present to help reduce stress and be a relaxing distraction.