Sometimes it seems impossible to console an anxious or agitated child. To put an end to tantrums or help him overcome a moment of nervousness, it is often not enough to talk to him gently. In these cases you can try to make use of art therapy by creating a "jar of calm". By exerting a calming effect, this method helps nervous babies focus their attention on a beautiful and calming element. To do this chore, you'll need a plastic jar or bottle, some hot water, a few drops of food coloring, and a handful of glitter.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Filling the "Jar of Calm"
Step 1. Choose a suitable container
You should use a clear and safe container. Plastic containers are preferable, as they are unlikely to break and cause accidents. The container should have a solid lid or cap that can be screwed on and fixed securely.
- If your child is old enough and you don't think they have difficulty handling glass, you can also use a jar of this material.
- Transparent plastic containers are safer, therefore preferable for small children. You can often find a suitable one in the plastic bin.
- Many hand crafting experts recommend bottles from Voss or SmartWater as they are roomy, smooth and durable.
Step 2. Fill the jar or bottle about ¾ full using warm tap water
Then you have to add one ingredient at a time to form the solution.
- The hot water favors the melting of the glue, allowing to obtain a fluid solution without evident drops of viscous material or sharp gaps between the ingredients.
- Leave 3-5 cm of space at the top of the container so that you can shake the solution.
Step 3. Pour the glitter glue into the bottle, then mix it with a stick to distribute it in the water and remove any lumps
If the container is large, use 1-2 tubes of glue. If it's small, only one tube should be enough.
Help yourself with a toothpick or a cotton swab to scrape the glue from the tube
Step 4. Add a few drops of food coloring
Gently shake the jar to make sure it spreads in the glue-water solution. Use the amount you want. If you use less, the solution will be clear and translucent. By using more of them you will create a fascinating play of colors.
- Gradually add the food coloring until the desired color is achieved.
- Try not to use too much, otherwise the solution will darken excessively and it will be difficult to see the glitter.
Step 5. Add a handful of extra glitter
Use the extra-fine ones. Insert them into the jar with a funnel. As the main ingredient, glitter should be well concentrated, so don't be afraid to overdo it. Add glitter until you and your child are happy with the result.
- The more glitter you use, the longer it will take for them to settle.
- Play by dosing the ingredients in various proportions to change the final effect.
Step 6. Glue the lid
Once the preparation is complete, finish filling the jar with water, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Apply a strong adhesive, such as super glue or rubber-based adhesive, to the underside of the lid. Screw it in firmly and let it settle for a few minutes.
- This way the lid will adhere well to the jar. If it falls, the child will not be able to open it and it will not be removed.
- Be careful when handling strong adhesives. Since the glitter will spread all over the place, you risk making a mess.
Part 2 of 3: Customizing the Jar
Step 1. Make jars of different colors
Don't stop after making one - make as many jars as you want! Match complementary colors or use a different one in each container to create a rainbow. Using your child's favorite colors will only enhance the jar's calming effect.
- If you have more than one child, make several jars to prevent them from fighting over this reason.
- Soft colors, such as light blue, pink, green, and lavender, are particularly calming.
Step 2. Create cute shapes with glitter
Buy craft-specific glitter and mix it with regular glitter and glitter glue. When you shake the jar you will see smiley faces, stars and dinosaurs inside. This is a great way to personalize the bowl and stimulate children's creativity.
Look for unique and interesting glitter at stores that sell DIY items
Step 3. Try different containers
In addition to the classic jars and bottles, look for other suitable containers. Bottles of finished products, such as sunscreen or condiments, can be washed and turned into a travel "calm jar". You can also make a larger version by recycling a jar of peanuts or pickles - kids can gather around the container to admire it.
- Make sure the container is clear, that it can be grasped easily, and that it doesn't break if it falls or is thrown.
- Fill the bottle of a hand sanitizer gel from the bag with glitter - this way the child will have something to entertain himself with while shopping.
Part 3 of 3: Using the "Jar of Calm"
Step 1. Grab the jar with both hands and shake it vigorously
Invite the child to do the same. It's a great way to let off steam in times of turmoil. The child can play with it for as long as he wants, until he begins to calm down. When the jar is shaken, the liquid moves, creating shapes and colors with the glitter.
- Show him how the jar works and explain that it is meant to make him feel better in difficult times.
- If the child is small, make sure he can safely grab and shake the jar, otherwise you can start doing it yourself before you give it to him.
Step 2. Invite him to admire the shapes created by the glitter
After shaking the jar, the child can sit and watch in amazement everything that happens inside. The movement made by the elements will become progressively slow and calm, catching your child's gaze. Since the baby will focus his attention on the jar, he will forget why he is feeling agitated.
It takes a few minutes for the glitter to settle completely. Meanwhile the mind will calm down and the heartbeat will slow down
Step 3. Help the child deal with their emotions
Invite him to sit or lie down while he focuses on the jar. If he continues to be anxious or irritable, help him focus by taking deep, relaxing breaths. In no time his mood will improve and calm down, just as the glitter will settle at the bottom of the jar.
- The "jar of calm" is effective as it subconsciously mimics the emotional state of the child. The little one will respond to the behavior of the container's contents without even being aware of it.
- Encourage him to keep the jar in his room or take it with him to a quiet place where he can be alone for a few minutes to calm down.
Advice
- Invite the child to help you prepare the jar so that they can spend time together and create a nice family project.
- The "jar of calm" can be a constructive alternative to the usual punishments, which usually make children agitate even more.
- To thicken the glitter solution and slow movement, use larger amounts of glue or corn syrup.
- Wash and store kitchen containers to recycle them in "jars of calm".
- Keep a tense child busy on a long car ride or while out and about on errands.
- Give him the "jar of calm" just before bed to help him fall asleep easily.
- Shake the jar and use it as a timer when you need to impose the disciplinary method of timeout.
- Spray the glitter with some fluorescent paint to turn the jar into a nice night light.
Warnings
- Broken glass is dangerous. If you have particularly young children or parquet, use a plastic container to be on the safe side.
- The "jars of calm" contain toxic substances. Make sure you close the lid tightly to prevent your child from accidentally swallowing the contents.
