Essential Oil Slime for Kids

It’s cold outside, and kids can only play out in the snow for so long; so it’s time to find some inside activities to keep them entertained. Why not try out this essential oil slime? By combining slime with essential oils, it becomes a sensory experience for touch and smell, which can help improve brain development in children! Plus, this slime is made from edible ingredients, so young children are safe joining in the fun! Of course, it is always a good idea to supervise and dissuade them from eating it; but if they happen to taste it, they will be fine.

  

Because this slime is made from edible ingredients, you will want to store it in the refrigerator when the kids aren’t playing with it. And each time you bring it out to play, do a quick check to make sure that there isn’t any mold growth before giving it to the children.

This activity can be a little messy, so try to keep it contained on a splash mat or kitchen table for easy cleanup. Your kids will love stretching it, smashing it, tearing it into sections, making handprints or footprints, creating pieces of artwork, or even picking it apart into little pieces. If it gets a little dry, just wet your hands under a faucet, and work that little bit of water into the slime.

Some oils that are safe to use with children and are great for this activity are lavender, lemon, peppermint, or orange.

Essential Oil Slime for Kids

Servings: 1 big glob | Time: 15–20 minutes active; 12–24 hours inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp. xanthan gum
• 4–6 drops food coloring (optional)
• 16 oz. box + 4–6 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 3–4 drops essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the chia seeds and water in a sealable container, and place the container in the fridge overnight. Let sit for 12–24 hours, stirring a couple times to break up clumps.
2. Once the chia seeds are nice and gelatinous, whisk in the xanthan gum and food coloring. Don’t worry about getting all the clumps out.
3. Add a box of cornstarch, and knead it all in. It will get easier to knead after a while. Continue adding cornstarch a tablespoon at a time until it isn’t sticky. If it gets crumbly or doesn’t stretch very well, just get your hands wet and work that little bit of water into the slime.
4. Once it is ready, just add a few drops of essential oil to your hands, and knead the oils into the slime.
5. Let kids play with the slime on a table or splash mat—it can be a little messy!
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Check for mold before giving to a child.
7. If the slime gets tough or brittle, just wet your hands under a faucet and knead the excess water into the slime until it is workable again.

Source: http://www.funathomewithkids.com/2014/06/no-cook-edible-chia-flax-and-seedless.html. ©2014 Used with permission.