I had to think of a quick calm down activity for my littlest two yesterday, when Daddy decided to take Liam off for the afternoon to climb a mountain. Usually Daddy would happily take the three of them off my hands on a Saturday afternoon, but this particular mountain was just too big for Freddie or Bella to handle.So I was left to pick up the pieces after they left. I decided that mixing up some play dough might just do the trick to calm them down. Both Freddie and Bella love play dough and I thought a bit of therapeutic kneading and rolling would give us all chance to work our frustrations out.
I mixed up a basic play dough recipe of
- 2 cups flour,
- ¾ cup salt,
- 1 tbsp oil,
- few drops of red food colouring
- 1 cup hot water.
I added the flour, salt, food colouring and oil into my electric mixer and then gradually added in the water until I had achieved the right consistency.
I then let the mixer work its magic for a good 5 minutes to ensure the dough came out nice and soft and stretchy.
Whilst the dough was mixing up, I quickly gathered together a selection of craft materials, along with some heart shaped cutters and a rolling pin for each of them to use with their play dough, to turn it into Valentine’s Day Love Bugs.
Play dough can be a good way to clam children down for a bit. I love the cute little cat.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsbeKids
It's great for working out their frustrations (and mine sometimes as well!) The cat was very wasn't it!
What wonderful playdough creations – such a great activity for helping children to calm down a little too and so much fun.
Thanks. We are big play dough fans over here and i think i am finally get the hang of making my own now.
These are so lovely. I keep meaning to make my own playdoh. Does it keep fresh for long? #letkidsbekids
It will keep fresh for a good few months if you store it in a properly airtight container and do not allow any moisture to get inside. It's great value for money!
Looks like a fun activity! I'm sure my son would love doing this too 🙂 #letkidsbekids
Thanks Tarana it was great fun. The best part about these kinds of activities is seeing what ideas the kids come up with as they always come up with something unexpected.
these looks great – you might want to think about linking to my #craftingprompt nex week (theme is googly eyes!). I will be trying these with my son soon I think
#letkidsbekids
Thanks Sarah i have it in my diary to pop over to you next week already. Such a great theme for a linky.
So cute. Amy loves play dough, so I might make some of these with her this week.
Thanks for linking up with Monday Parenting Pin It Party x
Grace says – We LOVE the Love Bugs. These are excellent and a great idea for a quick activity. MEGA Mummy points to you!! Thanks for linking to #minicreations
Awww cute! scarily I just posted a very similar set up though we made snowmen 🙂