Although often reserved for school fate’s and holiday care programmes, slime is a surprisingly useful material, albeit one that some parents would rather not have around the house. Still, the creative and cognitive benefits of playing with slime might just outweigh the risks to furniture and the walls. Here are just a few good reasons to make room for slime in the realm of mainstream activities for kids.
Making slime is an opportunity for creativity
The benefits of playing with slime begin even before the slime has even been made. With a variety of colours and textures to choose from, kids could spend hours experimenting and mixing different combinations. All you need is a great slime recipe (including as many food colouring bottles as you can find in the kitchen cupboard) and a few science teachers approved ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to an afternoon full of arts, science and fun.
It’s a tactile, sensory experience
Engaging all of the senses is so important to the healthy development of fine motor skills, and what could be more irresistible to the touch than a huge jar of slime in your favourite colour? Even if the classic slippery texture doesn’t appeal, there are so many potential additions that could take the sensory experience to a new level. With a few extra ingredients, you can make slime that’s less slimy and more fluffy, glittery or even crunchy. Depending on your sensory preferences, the slime recipe can also be adjusted for firmness, making it the perfect project for children who might be on the autism spectrum or for those with hypersensitive skin.
Slime promotes mindfulness
Generally speaking, the word “mindfulness” doesn’t mean a great deal to young children, particularly as living in the “now” tends to come fairly naturally to them. Still, everyone stands to benefit from an opportunity to readjust focus, and when parents and teachers introduce an activity like slime-making, it becomes practically irresistible. Slime gets to the heart of what mindfulness is all about: bringing awareness to sensory experiences in the present moment. In short, it’s a great way to give the mind a break, and for energetic young ones, it beats sitting still and counting breaths.
Making slime enhances focus
The ability to stay attentive to one task for long periods is a true blessing throughout school and work life, and a great slime recipe can take you there. With a free afternoon and a craft table full of ingredients and colours, kids and adults alike will find endless satisfaction in carefully measuring out the ingredients and adding doses of colour and sparkle to make their very own slime. Just like any other recipe, the process demands focussed mental energy, while the simplicity of the task promises a satisfying end result. Plus, it introduces children to basic science and math concepts like basic chemistry and measuring.
Slime is calming
Whether you’re struggling to cope with stress at work or helping your child prepare for a big school project, a little tactile stress relief never goes astray. Stress balls are hugely popular amongst adults and kids alike, and slime can work in much the same way. Simply holding something in your hand and playing with it has been known to lower stress levels and improve mood. It’s a quick short-term alternative to provide fast stress relief.
It promotes independent play
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the schoolyard, introverted children can end up feeling a little lost, and for those situations, slime is the perfect activity. It’s an easy play option for kids who enjoy their solitude but still want something fun and mentally stimulating to do in between tasks. Plus, it makes a fantastic “brain break” from schoolwork and overstimulation at the hands of technology, allowing for time away from the screen without tantrums or fear of missing out.
…and playtime in groups
While it’s great for your kids to feel comfortable and confident enjoying a classic play activity on their own, slime, like most things, is even better when shared with others, especially when parents are involved. The best way to create a sturdy bond with your kids is to show them that you share their interests. In this way, you’ll open up potential avenues for conversation and connection. You can look forward to many more bonding experiences and opportunities to talk about anything and everything over a bowl of slime.
Slime is so much more than that icky, gooey substance that once got stuck in your favourite rug. It’s a bonding opportunity, a science experiment, and a perfectly simple recipe for playtime, and the fun starts well before you have the finished product in your hand.
