Children have a lot going on in those little brains of theirs, especially at times of transition, like heading back to school<\/a>. Things like uncertainty, disappointment<\/a> and change can lead to frustration and stress. We all<\/em> need a way to depressurise\u2014and for kids, it might come in the form of slime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sensory input \u2014 the info we receive through our senses so we can learn about the environment \u2014 sends messages to the nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, negative input like the sound of a scream can push kids into a fight-or-flight response. But positive or enjoyable sensory input can do the opposite. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of rest and conserving physical energy.<\/p>\n\n\n While all the senses can promote relaxation, the sense of touch might be a route to a meditative state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere\u2019s something about different tactile things that actually creates a sense of mindfulness<\/a>,\u201d says Tracy Turner-Bumberry, a licensed professional counsellor and play therapist. \u201cSensory play helps children focus on what\u2019s happening right now and tune out past sadness or future anxiety. They notice that right in that moment, they\u2019re touching something that feels so good in their hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ralph adds that when kids are using sensory manipulatives, \u201cthe brain switches off. There\u2019s no right or wrong way, so it doesn\u2019t feel stressed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Plus, toying with sensory play items like squishies, mushies, and gooshies can build cognitive skills and may even help kids with their penmanship. \u201cChildren\u2019s hands aren\u2019t fully developed until they’re about six or seven,\u201d Ralph says. \u201cUsing manipulative materials is actually strengthening the hands and giving them strength for a pencil grip.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, have a go at making some squishes and slimes with your kids, and see what they think! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for more activities to try at home? Then discover more family-friendly activities every month with a subscription to National Geographic Kids <\/em>and Little Kids <\/em>magazines<\/a>. Every issue includes exciting activities and games to complete together, sure to develop your little one’s creativity<\/a> and provide some family fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all sensations feel good to all kids, so you may need to try more than one of these squishy recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ralph suggests letting more sensitive kids explore and touch each ingredient before mixing it in. Turner-Bumberry, author of 2, 4, 6, 8, This is How We Regulate!: 75 Play Therapy Activities to Increase Mindfulness in Children,<\/em> recommends a \u2018one-finger touch.\u2019 \u201cOne finger is less stressful,\u201d she says, \u201cwhile a whole handful might be overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And feel free to get your hands in them as well. \u201cThey may help you<\/em> decouple from stress,\u201d Ralph says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This \u201cdough\u201d is more like magical powder that holds together when it’s squeezed, then softly crumbles apart. It can be great for kids who crave delicate, soft textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just mix 8 parts flour with 1 part oil to create a fluffy substance. For scented sensory input, \u201cusing baby oil gives it a really nice smell,\u201d Ralph says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage: keeps indefinitely in a sealed bag or container.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids who crave more intense sensory input may be drawn to the gritty texture of sand. Depending on how much input your child likes, you can try finer or rougher sand. This recipe can scratch tables and floors, so Ralph recommends this one for outside play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mix all ingredients together in a tray. The sand will hold together. If mixture dries, add water to reconstitute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage: keeps indefinitely in a plastic bag or sealed container<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Clay is firmer and tougher than dough and can be great for kids who want to pound, tear, and pull. This one can be good for kids with allergies, as it\u2019s free of scents or colourings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mix all the ingredients in a pan and warm through on moderate heat, stirring regularly until the sauce thickens, comes away from the sides, and resembles mashed potatoes. Just after this stage, when it looks like a play dough, turn off the heat and turn the clay onto a surface or into a bowl, and let it cool a little. When you can comfortably touch it, knead until it is smooth and pliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage: wrap and keep in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ralph explains that this paint is great for \u201cprocess art,\u201d which means it\u2019s not about creating a picture \u2014 the fun is in the doing! Kids can enjoy the yoghurt-like feel of this paint (especially when it\u2019s chilled) and get satisfying visual input from bright colours. Plus, it\u2019s safe for even the youngest users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whisk sugar, flour, and water together in a pan. Heat until the mixture thickens, and lumps disappear. Divide the \u201cpaint\u201d into jars and add food colouring as desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage: keeps about two weeks in the fridge.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow squishy stuff soothes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"sensory](\"https:\/\/cdn.creatureandcoagency.com\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SensoryPlay-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"sensory](\"https:\/\/cdn.creatureandcoagency.com\/uploads\/2023\/01\/SensoryPlay-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n5 relaxation recipes to try at home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CRUMBLY CLOUD DOUGH<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MOON SAND<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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WHITE CLAY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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EDIBLE FINGER PAINT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Plus, check out our eco-friendly slime recipe<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s perfect to make and enjoy together!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh. Image credits: stretchy slime (c) StockRocket \/ Getty Images; all others (c) Adobe Stock.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"