Mom, There’s Nothing to Do!
It can strike any time of the year, but winter seems to be especially common. It’s when kids (often housebound because of the weather) are bored. Bored, bored, bored. No matter what you suggest—all those amazing Christmas gifts aren’t even a month old yet—none of it appeals.
So as a super parent, you’re obligated to go that extra mile, right? You need to figure out exactly what’s going to turn those frowns upside down. Here’s an idea: it’s a craft and a toy, so it takes care of two topics at once. Play Putty isn’t hard to make, but it’s a blast to work with. You can customize it, color it and learn all about scientific ideas like liquids, solids and shifts. Maybe you’d better not mention the educational aspect—you don’t want to spoil the fun!
PS: Just so you’re not disappointed, Play Putty isn’t really like Silly Putty. It stays semi-liquid and is more like a play goop.
Ingredients:
1 cup (7.625 oz) bottle white glue
Assorted shades of food coloring
1 cup liquid laundry starch **
Directions:
Mix the glue and food color in a plastic container (that has a lid). Add starch, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until mixture looks rubbery like putty. Knead 5 to 10 minutes to achieve a good consistency. Add more starch if it is too runny.
Store covered, in the refrigerator.
**Notes: If you can’t find liquid starch at your local Brookshire’s (smaller stores might not carry it), you can find it at an arts and crafts store.
To prevent the food coloring from staining your hands, you can wear latex gloves. And it adds to the excitement and wildness for some kids!
(Recipe from McCormick & Co)
Published 12/23/09
