Since we rely on gadgets a lot, it can be pretty difficult to keep kids away from the computer or any gadget all the time. But this is bad for the eyes and can cause irreparable damage, especially for young kids. For me, what’s been helpful is always keeping a stack of blank papers and some markers handy so they can play on their own while I work. However, some days, that’s still not fun enough. So here’s a quick fix to the problem: playdough!
Why playdough?
It is a good toy that stimulates a child’s senses and allows them to build and create which also helps their mental development and likewise improves their imagination. It’s pretty to look at and fun to just fiddle with. There’s a lot of things to build using playdough and it would also be interesting to know what stories and worlds they can come up with using it.
Why make my own playdough?
Making your own means that you get to control the ingredients used in the playdough that your kid might potentially eat. This protects them from unwanted chemicals and also gives them the exposure and experience of doing things on their own (not just buying all their toys!). This can help them be less attached to store-bought items and encourage them to be resourceful and curious about the items they can make on their own and where they can find fun.
Steps for the 4-ingredient playdough
Making playdough is pretty straightforward. It’s gathering all the ingredients and mixing them up really well. To make playdough, you’ll need ½ cup of cornstarch, one cup of baking soda, and about a cup of water. To make sure that you get the right consistency, you can add the water a little bit at a time. The last ingredients are food-grade dyes or food coloring to add extra fun to your dough.
Paint can also be a good alternative to dye but make sure that you only use non-toxic paint. You can also try other natural and safe alternatives! Ultimately, playdough is really simple to make and easy to clean. You can do it in a pinch and can really keep them away from the screen for a really long time.
