Are you looking for a fun and calming activity for your kids? Look no further than homemade playdough infused with the soothing scent of lavender. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of playdough for kids and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to create your own calming lavender playdough at home. Let’s dive in!
The Benefits of Playdough for Kids
Playdough is not just a simple toy; it offers a wide range of benefits for children. It is a versatile sensory material that can help in developing fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination. Playdough also provides a calming effect and can help soothe hyperactive children. The squishing, rolling, and molding of playdough can be a therapeutic and relaxing activity for kids of all ages.
How Playdough Calms Hyperactive Children
Have you ever wondered why playdough has such a calming effect on hyperactive children? The tactile nature of playdough engages the senses and helps children focus their attention on the task at hand. The repetitive movements involved in playing with playdough can have a soothing effect on hyperactive children, helping them channel their energy in a constructive way.
Creating Calming Lavender Playdough
If you have a hyperactive child or simply want to create a calming sensory experience for your kids, making lavender playdough is a great idea. Here’s how you can make your own homemade calming lavender playdough:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1.5 cups boiling water
- Lavender essential oil
- Purple food coloring (optional)
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Add the vegetable oil and boiling water to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until a dough forms.
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and purple food coloring (if desired) and knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed.
- Your calming lavender playdough is ready to be enjoyed!
Playdough Activities for Kids
Now that you have your calming lavender playdough ready, here are some fun playdough activities for your kids:
- Shape and mold the playdough into different animals or objects.
- Create a mini garden using playdough and small toy figurines.
- Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of the playdough.
- Practice counting and math skills by creating playdough shapes and arranging them in patterns.
Enhancing the Playdough Experience
Want to take your calming lavender playdough to the next level? Here are some ideas to enhance the sensory experience for your kids:
1. Incorporate Texture:
Add different textures to the playdough, such as rice, beads, or glitter, to provide a tactile experience for your kids.
2. Scent Variation:
Experiment with different essential oils to create unique scents for your playdough. Peppermint, citrus, or eucalyptus are great options to explore.
3. Playdough Tools:
Include various tools like rolling pins, cookie cutters, and stamps to encourage creativity and fine motor skills development while playing with the playdough.
Conclusion
Homemade playdough infused with the calming scent of lavender is a wonderful sensory activity for kids. Not only does it provide a creative outlet for children, but it also helps in calming hyperactive kids and promoting relaxation. So, the next time you’re looking for a fun and calming activity for your little ones, give lavender playdough a try!