If you’re looking for an activity that not only engages your child but also relaxes them, you should try the Calming Jars DIY. Designed to soothe and relieve stress, these magical glitter jars will help your child relax!

Dr.  Christopher Willard, clinical psychologist working as an associate professor at Harvard Medical School states in his blog that ‘a glitter jar can serve as a visual timer for other practices, such as breathing practices that help in relaxing. For example, you can shake the jar and say: “Let’s do some slow breaths until the glitter settles.’

The activity is fun not only because of the end result but also because of how easy it is to do! You could keep these jars at your child’s study table or even in the living room. All you have to do is shake them up once in a while and then watch the swirling glitter glide all over the jar to eventually settle down again. Watching the glitter moving inside the jar is known to have a calming effect on the viewer. Hence the name – calming jars.

Credit:pinterest

Materials required:

1. A clear empty glass/plastic jar (should not have any design or label on it)
2. lukewarm water
3. Glitter glue
4. Glitter
5. Food colour
6. Liquid soap

Method:

1. Fill up to half of the glass/plastic jar with lukewarm water
2. Add the glitter glue to the water (quantity as per your preference) and stir it, until it mixes well with the water
3. Now add 2-3 drops of food colour to the jar 
4. Add glitter to the mix (quantity as per your preference). Stir well until it mixes with the existing mixture
5. Fill the rest of the jar with lukewarm water, leaving a little gap at the top for the mixture to move. Close the lid
6. For giving the jar a slower moving galaxy effect, you can add a little of baby oil or liquid soap to the mix (optional)
7. Your calming jar is ready! 

You can use the calming jars as timers as well, just like the way an hourglass works. Instead of sand, you’ll have to wait until the flakes have all settled at the bottom of the jar. There you have it, another fun and visually appealing DIY done in a matter of a few minutes. Isn’t it fascinating to watch the glitter move inside the jar! 

Did you try this DIY? Share your experience of making the calming jars in the comment section below!